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WLXTHROP.  ROBERT  CHARLES 
Oration  pronounced  by  the  Hon- 
orable Robert  C.  Winthrop 


/#^. 


^^^:^^    ^^^1^ 


ORATION 


PRONOUNCED  BY  THE 


HONORABLE  ROBERT  C.  WINTHROP, 

SPEAKER  OF  THE  HOUSE  OF  REPRESENTATIVES  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 


Fourth   of  July,   1848, 

ON  THE  OCCASION  OF   LAYING  THE  CORNER-STONE  OF  THE 

NATIONAL  MONUMENT  TO  THE  MEMORY  OF  WASHINGTON. 

WITH 

AN  INTRODUCTION  AND  AN  APPENDIX. 


ORATION 


PRONOUNCED  BY  THE 


HONOKABLE  EGBERT  C.  WINTHROP, 

SPEAKER  OF  THE  HOUSE  OF  REPRESENTATIVES  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 


Fourth  of  July,   1848, 


ON  THE  OCCASION  OF  LAYING  THE  CORNER-STONK  OF  THE 


MTIONAl  mONUMEM  TO  THE  MEMORY  OF  WASHINGTON. 


AN  INTRODUCTION  AND  AN  APPENDIX. 


Piiblislird  by  order  of  the  National  Moniiiiient  Soeiety^. 


WASHINGTON: 
J.  &  G.  S.  GIDEON,   PRINTEKS. 

1848. 


Washixgtox  Natios^al  Moxumest  Office,  July  5,  1848. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of  ^Managers  of  the  Washington  National  Monument 
Society  held  this  day,  the  following  resolution  was  unanimously  adopted  : — 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Board  be  presented  to  the  Hox.  Robert  C.  Wiif- 
THROP,  for  the  eloquent,  instructive,  patriotic  and  appropriate  Address  pronounced  by 
him  yesterday,  on  the  occasion  of  laying  the  corner-stone  of  the  National  Monu- 
ment to  the  memory  of  Washington:  That  he  be  requested  to  furnish  the  Board 
with  a  copy  of  the  address;  and  that  a  large  and  elegant  edition  of  the  same  be 
published  in  pamphlet  form,  under  the  direction  of  a  committee  to  be  appointed  for 
that  purpose. 

]Mr.  Fendall,  JVIr.  Watterston,  and  Gen.  Henderson  were  appointed  as  the  commit- 
tee, and  presented  a  copy  of  the  foregoing  resolution  to  Mr.  Winthrop. 


MR,  WIJfTHROP  S    AXSWER. 

Washi^gtox,  July  6.  1848. 
Gentlemex: 

I  am   greatly  honored   by  the   resolution  of  the   Managers  of  the  Washington 
National  Monument  Society. 

My  Address  is  at  their  service,  to  be  disposed  of  in  any  manner  of  which  they 
shall  think  it  worthy. 

I  am,  most  respectfully, 

Your  friend  and  servant, 

ROBT.  C.  WINTHROP. 

Mr.  FENKAlt, 


iUR.  a  ENBAlt,  i 

Mr.  Watterstox,  >  Committee,  ^-c 
Genl.  Hendbrsox,  ) 


INTRODUCTION. 


A  sriTABLE  site  for  the  National  JMonitment  having  been  granted  by  Congress, 
the  Board  of  Managers  soon  after  adopted  a  resolution,  declaring  that  the  corner- 
stone of  the  proposed  structure  should  be  laid  on  the  4th  of  July,  1848,  as  the  day 
most  appropriate  to  so  patriotic  an  object.  Application  was  made,  at  an  early 
period,  to  the  Hon.  R.  C.  Winthrop,  to  deliver  an  address  on  the  occasion,  to  virhich 
a  favorable  answer  was  received;  a  cotnmittee  was  appointed  to  make  all  neces- 
sary arrangements  for  the  interesting  ceremonies,  which  consisted  of  Messrs.  Hen- 
derson, Maury,  and  Lenox,  and  a  Building  Committee  was  also,  at  the  same  time, 
created,  consisting  of  Messrs.  Carbery,  Watterston,  and  W.  A.  Bradley,  and  to  which 
was  afterwards  added  Col.  Abert. 

The  former  Committee  proceeded  to  appoint  a  marshal  in-chief,  Mr.  Joseph  H. 
Bradley,  and  with  him  to  make  the  necessary  arrangements  for  laying  the  corner- 
stone on  the  day  designated.  Invitations  were  sent  to  the  different  States  of  the 
Union,  requesting  the  attendance  of  delegates  with  banners,  and  other  insignia; 
to  the  President  of  the  United  States,  the  heads  of  departments,  distinguished  indi- 
viduals, army  and  navy  officers,  the  corporate  authorities  of  Washington,  George- 
town, and  Alexandria,  &c.,  and  to  some  of  these  invitations  answers  were  received, 
which  will  be  found  in  the  Appendix.* 

The  Building  Committee  proceeded  to  appoint  an  architect,  Mr.  Robt.  Mills,  who 
had  furnished  the  design  of  the  monument;  to  cause  the  foundation  of  the  structure 
to  be  excavated,  a  railway  to  be  formed,  and  to  contract  for  the  materials  required 
for  the  construction  of  the  edifice.  Mr.  Tliomas  Symington,  of  Baltimore,  influ- 
enced by  a  spirit  of  patriotism,  presented  to  the  Society  a  massive  block  of  marble, 
weighing  24,500  lbs.,  taken  from  his  quarry  near  that  city,  for  the  corner-stone, 
which  was  conveyed,  free  of  charge,  by  the  Susquehanna,  and  the  Baltimore  and 
Ohio  Railroad  Companies  to  the  depot  in  Washington,  and  thence  by  the  citizens 
to  its  place  of  destination.  Three  industrious  marble  cutters,  Messrs.  Dougherty, 
Berry,  and  Rutherford,  of  Washington,  undertook  to  prepare  the  cover  and  excavate 
the  stone  gratuitously,  a  duty  which  they  performed  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Com- 
Hiittee.  The  casing  or  lining  of  the  cavity,  made  of  zinc,  was  prepared  without 
charge,  by  Mr.  Clement  Woodward,  and  the  stone  set,  and  other  masonry  executed 
by  several  public-spirited  stone  masons  of  Washington,  without  cost,  under  the 
direction  of  Mr.  James  Dixon,  who  had  volunteered  to  act  as  superintendent  till 
another  should  be  permanently  appointed.  Mr.  J.  Pettibone  undertook,  gratuitously, 
to  let  out  sites  on  the  ground  (which  the  Board  of  Managers  has,  by  resolution, 
designated  "Monument  Place")  to  individuals  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  booths, 

*  See  Appendix  No.  1. 


tents,  and  stands,  for  the  accommodation  of  spectators;  and  the  Committee  ordered 
stands,  or  platforms,  to  be  erected,  for  the  orator  of  the  day,  the  President  of  the 
United  States,  the  heads  of  departments,  officers  of  the  Society,  and  members  of 
the  Board  of  Managers,  the  Grand  Master  Mason,  &c. ;  and  also  triumphal  arches 
to  be  built,  one  at  the  bridge  on  14th  street,  and  one  near  the  foundation  of  the 
Monument,  which  were  handsomely  decorated.  On  the  lofty  arch  on  the  south 
side,  through  which  the  masons  entered,  was  placed  a  live  eagle  forty  years  old, 
which  had  hailed  the  advent  of  General  Lafayette  to  Alexandria,  and  which  has 
since  been  presented  to  Mons.  Vattemare,  to  be  deposited,  upon  his  return  to  France, 
in  the  National  Museum  of  Paris.  The  scene  here  presented  was  magnificent.  The 
whole  plain  was  covered  with  human  beings.  The  vast  sloping  amphitheatre  of 
seats  exhibited  an  unbroken  sheet  of  human  countenances,  expressing  a  deep  in- 
terest in  the  ceremonies  of  the  day,  while  over  the  whole  the  banner  of  the  Union, 
spread  and  displayed  by  the  willing  breeze,  seemed  proudly  to  extend  its  ornament 
and  protection.  "It  aiforded  one  of  the  most  beautiful  subjects  for  the  pencil  which 
painter  could  desire.  The  surface  of  the  mall  is  undulating,  and  the  whole  of  it 
covered  with  green  sod,  now  fresh  from  the  recent  rains.  The  heights  were  occu- 
pied by  groups  of  carriages  of  every  description,  by  booths  with  refreshments,  and 
by  the  various  erections  constructed  for  the  display  of  fire  works.  As  the  space 
was  ample,  the  crowds  that  had  been  confined  in  the  streets  here  burst  abroad,  and 
spread  and  scattered  themselves  in  all  directions.  From  space  to  space  arms  were 
stacked  and  guarded,  while  all  along  the  grassy  slopes  ladies  and  gentlemen,  citi- 
zens and  soldiers,  on  foot,  and  on  horseback,  strayed  about  in  the  cool  breeze  and 
bright  sun,  seeming  to  enjoy  their  existence.  Further  down  was  the  seat  of  action. 
Here,  in  a  hollow  spread  with  boards,  and  surrounded  with  seats,  a  crowd  began 
to  gather  to  witness  the  ceremonies  of  laying  the  corner-stone,  and  to  listen  to  the 
addresses  with  which  it  was  to  be  accompanied.  Around  two  sides  of  this  space 
were  high  and  solidly  constructed  ranges  of  seats,  hired  out  to  spectators,  covered 
with  awnings,  and  affording  a  favorable  position  for  seeing  and  hearing." 

To  a  member  of  the  Biulding  Committee  was  assigned  the  duty  of  collecting  the 
articles  to  be  deposited  in  the  corner-stone  when  laid.*  Among  these  were  two 
beautiful  Daguerreotype  likenesses  of  General  Washington  and  Mrs.  Martha  Wash- 
ington, by  Mr.  I.  S.  Grubb,  of  Alexandria,  the  former  from  the  last  original  paint- 
ing ever  taken  of  him;  by  Sharpless,  in  1796,  at  Mount  Vernon,  and  the  latter  from 
one  by  the  celebrated  Robinson  in  1790.  Both  these  originals  are  in  the  possession 
of  Mr.  Custis,  of  Arlington.  This  gentleman  was  also  an  invited  guest  on  the 
occasion,  and  he  and  Gen.  Walter  Jones  accompanied  Mrs.  Hamilton,  relict  of 
Alexander  Hamilton,  now  in  her  91st  year,  and  her  daughter,  Mrs.  Holly,  to  the 
ground.  Mr.  Custis  brought  with  him  a  sword  presented  to  him  by  General  Wash- 
ington, with  the  date  1775  inscribed  on  the  blade.  The  copper-plate,  engraved  by 
D.  O.  Hare,  and  presented  by  him,  contained  an  inscription  of  the  names  of  the 
officers  of  the  Society  and  members  of  the  Board  of  Managers,  &c.t 

The  Board  of  Managers  assembled  at  their  office  prior  to  the  departure  of  the 
procession,  which  began  to  form  in  front  of  the  City  Hall  about  10  o'clock. 

The  military  musteringground,  which  was  well  selected  in  one  of  the  openest 
and  most  elevated  spots  in  the  city,  being  the  junction  of  two  broad  avenues,  and 

*  See  Appendi.f  No.  2.  t  ^'j'^'-  No.  3. 


immediately  in  front  of  the  City  Hall,  presented  an  imposing  spectacle.  The  mili- 
tary assemblage  (commanded  in  chief,  for  the  day,  by  Major-General  Quitman  of 
the  United  States  Army,  and  General  Cadwallader  and  Colonel  May,  command- 
ing specially  the  infantry  and  cavalry  troops  respectively)  vi^as  unusually  large,  and 
the  appearance  and  discipline  of  the  troops,  both  regulars,  marines,  and  uniform 
companies,  was  highly  creditable.  Distinguished  officers  on  their  mettled  chargers 
were  curveting  about  in  front  of  the  long  lines  of  men,  whose  different  colored 
plumes  and  rich  and  various  uniforms  gave  variety  to  what,  in  a  regular  army- 
would  have  too  much  of  stiff  uniformity. 

A  beautiful  banner,  executed  by  several  ladies  of  Galveston,  and  sent  to  General 
Houston  to  be  deposited  in  the  Monument,  and  presented  in  the  name  of  a  committee 
whose  eloquent  letter  accompanying  it,  was  read  to  the  Board,  by  the  Secretary,* 
and  the  banner  borne  in  the  procession  by  Mr.  J.  F.  Lewis  of  Texas,  who,  in  the 
absence  of  General  Houston,  was  requested  to  present  it.  This  flag  was  about  a 
yard  wide  and  one  and  a-half  long,  the  top  white,  the  bottom  pink,  groundwork 
])urple  with  a  large  star  in  brown  and  yellow.  This  flag  was  beautifully  executed, 
and  presented  by  Misses  C.  Sydnor,  Mary  E.  Rhodes,  Sarah  Sydnor,  Caroline  White, 
Kate  Hyller,  Fanny  Trueheart,  Lucinda  Knight,  and  Emma  White. 

Another  beautiful  banner  was  also  presented  by  Mr.  William  Alexander,  in  the 
name  of  an  Association  of  young  men  in  Baltimore,  who  made  an  address  to  the 
Board,  which  was  responded  to  by  General  Walter  Jones.f  This  banner  was  of 
white  satin,  the  vignette,  a  female  figure  holding  in  one  hand  a  drawn  sword,  and 
with  the  other  the  Seals  of  Justice;  in  the  distance  a  ship  was  seen  entering  the 
harbor,  the  whole  encircled  with  a  gold  wreath.  The  name  of  the  Association  was 
in  gold  letters. 

The  following  was  the  order  of  the  procession. 

The  President  of  the  United  States,  the  Secretary  of  State,  and  the  President's  Pri- 
vate Secretary,  in  a  carriage,  attended  by  the   Marshal  and  Deputy 
Marshal  of  the  District  of  Columbia,  and  several  assistant  Mar- 
shals, with  batons,  rosettes,  and  sashes. 
The  members  of  the  Cabinet,  in  carriages. 
The  Marshal  of  the  Day  (Joseph  H.  Bradley,  Esq.)  on    horseback,  attended  by  his 
aids  on  horseback,  with  batons  and  sashes. 
Major-General  Quitman,  commanding-in-chief,  and  staff. 
Military  escort,  consisting  of  the  following  cavalry,  commanded  by  Colonel  May: 
Laurel  Troop,  Captain  Capron. 
Marlborough  Cavalry,  Captain  Tuck. 
Mounted  Carbiniers,  a  Baltimore  Troop,  Captain  Murdock. 
Ringgold  Cavalry  from  Alexandria. 
Eagle  Artillerists  of  Baltimore,  Captain  Kane. 
Capitol  Hill  Artillerists,  Captain  Robinson,  a  juvenile  corps. 
Infantry,  under  the  command  of  General  Cadwalader. 
United  States  Marines,  with  their  powerful  band,  under  Major  Walker. 
Ladependent  Blues  of  Baltimore,  with  their  excellent  band.  Captain  Slum. 
Baltimore  City  Guards,  Lieutenant  McDonald. 

*  Appendi.\  No.  4.  t  Ibid.  No.  5. 


Independent  Grays  of  Baltimore,  with  their  excellent  band,  Captain  Hall. 

Fredericksburg  Guards,  Virginia,  Captain  Jackson. 

Washington  Light  Infantry,  Captain  Tate. 

National  Blues  of  Washington,  Captain  Bacon. 

Maryland  Cadets,  Captain  Harris. 

Baltimore  Sharp-Shooters,  with  their  excellent  band,  Captain  Lilly. 

Boston  Light  Guard,  Captain  Clarke. 

Independent  Grays  of  Georgetown,  Captain  Wright. 

IMount  Vernon  Guards  of  Alexandria,  (Va.,)  Lieutenant  Price. 

Columbia  Riflemen  of  Baltimore,  with  their  excellent  band.  Captain  M'AUister. 

First  Division,  Major  A.  A.  Nicholson,  Marshal. 

The  Fire  Companies  in  the  following  order : 

Vigilant  Fire  Company  of  Baltimore,  hauling  their  splendid  Suction,  numbering 

58  men,  each  wearing  a  uniform  cap,  with  the  letter  V  in  front. 

Washington  Company  of  Baltimore,  with  their  handsome  Suction,  numbering  35 
men,  uniformed  like  the  Vigilant,  and  having  the  letter  W  in  front  of  their  caps. 

Howard  Company  of  Baltimore,  numbering  40  men,  hauling  their  handsom.e  new 
Suction,  uniformed  like  the  preceding  companies,  with  the  letter  H  on  their  caps. 

The  Anacostia,  Columbia,  Franklin,  and  Perseverance  Fire  Companies  of  Wash- 
ington, and  a  delegation  from  the  Northern  Liberties,  in  full  uniform.  These  four 
companies  numbered  each  about  50  men.  Their  engines  were  in  splendid  order, 
and  handsomely  decorated  with  flowers,  flags,  &c.  The  firemen  wore  red  jackets 
and  white  pantaloons,  and  made  a  handsome  appearance. 

The  Fire   Department  was  in  charge  of  Mr.  G.  S.  Gideon,  as  chief  marslial,  as- 
sisted by  Mr.  Jonas  B.  Ellis  of  the  Anacostia,  Mr.  John  C.  Whitwellof  the  Columbia, 
Mr.  L.  Lepreux  of  the  Franklin,  and  Mr.  John  D.  Thompson  of  the  Perseverance. 
The  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  comprehending  the  officers  and  members 
of  various  Lodges,  in  charge  of  Mr.  Wra.  F.  Bayly  and  Mr.  J.  T.  Towers. 
The  Vice-President  of  the  United  States. 
Senators  and  Members  of  Congress. 
The  Order  of  Red  Men,  under  Mr.  C.  W.  Boteler,  jr.,  as  marshal. 
Delegations  from  the  States. 
Second  Division,  Major  S.  R.  Hobble,  Marshal. 
Temperance    Societies,  under    Mr.    A.   F.  Cunningham    as    marshal,  consisting  of 
The  Freemen's  Vigilant  Total  Abstinence  Society. 
The  Sons  of  Temperance. 
Junior  Brothers  of  Temperance. 
Knights  of  Temperance. 
Delegations  of  Temperance  Societies  from  different  States. 
A  Car,  bearing  a  large  cask  of  cold  water,  inscribed  "Fountain  of  Health." 
The  Corporation  of  Washington. 
The  Washington  Benevolent  Society  with  their  handsome  banner. 
The  Gciman  Benevolent  Society,  with  numerous  banners. 
Literary  Associations. 
The  Young  Men"s  Baltimore  Delegation,  with  a  handsome  silk  banner,  representing 
Justice  on  one  side,  and  inscribed  on  the  other  "Young  Men's  Balti- 
more Delegation." 


Third  Division,  Wm.  H.  Gunnel),  Marshal,  vice  Blake,  sick. 

Citizens  not  delegates  from  States. 

Carriage  containing  the  venerable  Mrs.  Hamilton,  her  daughter,  Mrs.  Holly,  G.  "W. 

P.  Custis,  Esq.,  and  General  Walter  Jones. 
Carriage  containing  the  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  orator  of  the  day, 

Mayor  of  Washington,  and  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Arrangements. 
Carriage  containing  the  Architect  of  the  IMonument,  having  in  charge  the  books  and 
other  articles  to  be  deposited  hi  tlie  corner-stone. 
The  Monument  Society. 
The  Masonic  Fraternity,  in  full  costume,  headed  by  their  marshal,  J.  B.  Thomas. 
The  weather  was  singularly  propitious.  A  fine  rain  had  fallen  the  previous  day, 
which  had  cooled  the  air  and  laid  the  dust,  and  the  Beneficent  Deity  seemed  to 
smile  auspiciously  on  the  interesting  and  imposing  ceremonies  of  the  day.  May  it 
be  an  omen  of  the  success  of  the  great  enterprise!  The  procession,  which  was 
decidedly  the  most  splendid  ever  witnessed  in  Washington,  was  about  an  hour  in 
reaching  the  site  of  the  monument,  where  everything  was  in  readiness  to  lay  the 
stone,  which  forms  the  commencement  of  a  structure,  which,  it  is  hoped,  will  endure 
till  time  shall  be  no  more.  During  its  advance  the  bells  of  the  city  continued  to  toll 
solemnly.  In  the  procession  were  delegations  of  the  Cherokee,  Chickasaw,  Choctaw, 
Creek  and  Sawbridge  Indians,  who  brought  with  them  silver  medals,  struck  in  17S6, 
representing  Washington  in  the  act  of  shaking  hands  with  the  red  man,  and  under 
whose  administration  their  forefathers  made  some  of  the  earliest  treaties  of  peace. 
To  these  Indians  were  assigned  seats  on  the  platform  near  the  orator,  to  whom  they 
listened  with  profound  attention,  as  did  the  immense  assembly  he  addressed.  After 
the  procession  had  reached  the  ground,  the  ceremonies  commenced  with  an  appro- 
priate prayer  to  the  Throne  of  Grace,  by  the  Grand  Chaplain  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
Maryland,  tlie  Rev.  Mr.  McJiltox,  which  was  succeeded  by  a  psalm,  to  the  tuneol 
"  Old  Hundred,"  sung  by  the  assembled  multitude,  with  due  solemnity  and  feeling. 
The  Hon.  R.  C.  Winthhop,  orator  of  the  day.  then  arose  and  delivered  an  address, 
which  in  purity  of  diction,  beauty  of  style  and  sentiment,  and  genuine  eloquence, 
li;is,  perhaps,  never  been  surpassed — and  which  was  received  with  universal  and 
merited  applause.  When  Mr.  Wikthrop  had  concluded,  Mr.  B.  B.  Fhexch,  Grand 
Master  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  District  of  Columbia,  delivered  an  appropriate 
address,  after  which  he  descended  from  the  platform  on  which  he  had  stood  to  the 
corner-stone, and  proceeded  to  deposit  the  articles  selected  to  be  placed  in  the  cavity, 
and  to  perform  the  usual  appropriate  Masonic  ceremonies  of  laying  it.  A  patriotic- 
song  was  then  sung  by  Mr.  Eddy,  and  the  benediction  pronounced  ;  and  thus  termi- 
nated these  interesting  and  solemn  ceremonies. 

Such  had  been  the  interest  felt  by  all  in  this  noble  enterprise,  that  it  was  fo\\m\ 
difficult  to  preserve  the  marble  chips,  taken  from  tlie  cavity  of  the  corner  stone, 
which  were  eagerly  seized  upon  by  visitors,  to  be  kept  as  mementos  of  the  event. 
The  Board  ordered  square  pieces  of  the  stone  to  be  wrought,  lal3eled,and  presented 
to  the  several  State  delegations,  to  be  deposited  in  the  Library  or  Museum  of  each 

State  and  Territory.     They  bore  the  following  inscription: — "To  the  Slate  of 

this  piece  of  the   corner-stone  of  the  Washington  National  Monument,  laid  July  4, 
1848,  is  presented  by  the  Board  of  Managers." 

After  the  ceremonies  attendant    upon  laying  the  corner-stone  were  ended,  the 


8 

procession  returned  to  the  Pennsylvania  Avenue,  where  the  military  part  of  it  was 
reviewed  by  the  President  of  the  United  States,  and  afterwards  dismissed. 

A  fine  banner,  which  had  been  torne  in  the  procession,  was  presented  by  tlie 
Florida  Delegation  to  the  Board  of  Managers.  Mr.  Yale,  on  the  part  of  the  delega- 
tion, addressed  the  chairman,  Mr.  P.  R.  Fendall,  in  an  appropriate  and  eloquent 
manner,  and  was  responded  to  by  the  chairman.*  The  banner  was  of  white  satin, 
fringed  with  gold.  In  the  centre  is  painted  the  coat  of  arms  of  the  State,  with  the 
motto — -'In  God  is  our  trust,"  March  3d,  1845 — when  she  became  a  State.  On 
the  reverse  above,  the  words  "  Pascua  Florida,  1512,"  appear;  and  in  the  centre 
is  painted  the  likeness  of  Juan  Ponce  de  Leon. 

The  interesting  day  was  closed  by  a  brilliant  display  of  fireworks  on  Monument 
Place,  prepared  by  Mr.  Brown,  who  had  been  employed  by  the  Committee  of  Ar- 
irangeraents  for  that  purpose,  and  by  the  pyrotechnists  at  the  Navy  Yard  and 
Arsenal  in  this  city.  They  reflected  great  credit  on  the  skill  of  those  who  had  pre- 
pared them,  and  displayed  this  beautiful  art  in  great  perfection.  Among  the  varied 
and  splendid  tableaux  of  stars,  diamonds,  burning  and  revolving  circles,  pyramids, 
&c.,  exhibited  on  this  occasion  to  an  immense  multitude,  spread,  in  picturesque 
groups,  over  the  plain,  was  a  device  representing  the  proposed  monument,  which 
was  forty  feet  high,  and  displaying  in  letters  of  fire  the  name  of"  WASHINGTON." 
This  terminated  the  exhibition  of  these  admirably  prepared  fireworks. 

The  4th  of  July,  184 8,  will  long  be  remembered  by  all  who  witnessed  and  par- 
ticipated in  the  brilliant  procession  and  imposing  ceremonies  of  that  day.  which  has, 
perhaps,  never  before  been  so  celebrated  in  this  country.  It  is  remarkable,  that  this 
is  the  first  national  anniversary  which  has,  in  any  part  of  the  Union,  been  exclu- 
sively devoted  to  rendering  an  affectionate  and  grateful  homage  to  his  memory. 
The  circumstance  that  after  the  lapse  of  nearly  half  a  century  since  his  death,  it  has 
been  so  employed,  is  a  gratifying  indication  that  his  memory  is  still  fondly  cherished 
in  every  American  heart,  and  that  the  noble  and  patriotic  undertaking  in  which  the 
society  has  embarked,  is  destined  to  be  crowned  with  complete  and  glorious  success. 

*  Appendix  No.  6. 


OEATION. 


Fellow-cilizens  of  the  Utiited  States: 

We  are  assembled  to  take  the  first  step  towards  the 
fulfilment  of  a  lonj^  deferred  obligation.  In  this  eiorht- 
and-fortieth  year  since  his  death,  we  have  come  together 
to  lay  the  corner-stone  of  a  National  Monument  to  Wash- 
ington. 

Other  monuments  to  this  illustrious  per.son  have  long 
ago  been  erected.  By  not  a  few  of  the  great  States  of 
our  Union,  by  not  a  few  of  the  great  cities  of  our  States, 
the  chiseled  statue  or  the  lofty  column  has  been  set  up 
in  his  honor.  The  highest  art  of  the  old  world — of 
France,  of  Italy,  and  of  England,  successively — has  been 
put  in  requisition  for  the  purpose.  Houdon  for  Virginia, 
Canova  for  North  Carolina,  Sir  Francis  Chantrey  for 
Massachusetts,  have  severally  signalized  their  genius  by 
portraying  and  perpetuating  the  form  and  features  of  the 
Father  of  his  Country. 

Nor  has  the  Congress  of  the  Nation  altogether  failed 
of  its  duty  in  this  respect.  The  massive  and  majestic 
figure  which  presides  over  the  precincts  of  the  Capitol, 
and  which  seems  almost  in  the  act  of  challengino:  a  new 


10 

vow  of  allegiance  to  the  Constitution  and  the  Union  from 
every  one  who  approaches  it,  is  a  visible  testimony — and 
one  not  the  less  grateful  to  an  American  eye,  as  being  the 
masterly  production  of  a  native  artist* — that  the  govern- 
ment of  the  country  has  not  been  unmindful  of  what  it 
owes  to  Washington. 

One  tribute  to  his  memory  is  left  to  be  rendered. 
One  monument  remains  to  be  reared.  A  monument 
which  shall  bespeak  the  gratitude,  not  of  States,  or  of 
cities,  or  of  governments ;  not  of  separate  communities, 
or  of  official  bodies;  but  of  the  people,  the  whole  people 
of  the  nation : — a  National  Monument,  erected  by  the 
citizens  of  the  United  States  of  America. 

Of  such  a  monument  we  have  come  to  lay  the  corner- 
stone here  and  now.  On  this  day,  on  this  spot,  in  this 
presence,  and  at  this  precise  epoch  in  the  history  of  our 
country  and  of  the  world,  we  are  about  to  commence  this 
crownin»  work  of  commemoration. 

The  day,  the  place,  the  witnesses,  the  period  in  the 
world's  history  and  in  our  own  history— all,  all  are  most 
appropriate  to  the  occasion. 

The  day  is  appropriate.  On  this  4th  day  of  July — 
emphatically  the  people's  day — we  come  most  fitly  to 
acknowledge  the  people's  debt  to  their  first  and  greatest 
benefactor. 

Washington,  indeed,  had  no  immediate  connection 
with  the  immortal  act  of  the  4th  of  July,  1776.  His 
signature  did  not  attest  the  Declaration  of  Independence. 
But  the  sword  by  which  that  independence  was  to  be 

*  Horalio  Greenough. 


11 

achieved,  was  already  at  bis  side,  and  already  had  he 
struck  the  blow  which  rendered  that  declaration  inevi- 
table. 

"  Hostibus  prima  fugatis,  Bostonium  recuperatum,^^ 
is  the  inscription  on  the  medal  which  commemorates 
Washington's  earliest  triumph.  And  when  the  British 
forces  were  compelled  to  evacuate  Boston,  on  the  17th 
day  of  March,  1776,  bloodless  though  the  victory  was,  the 
question  was  irrevocably  settled,  that  independence,  and 
not  the  mere  redress  of  grievances,  was  to  be  the  mo- 
mentous stake  of  our  colonial  struororle. 

Co 

Without  the  event  of  the  4th  of  July,  it  is  true,  Wash- 
ington would  have  found  no  adequate  opening  for  that  full 
career  of  military  and  civil  glory  which  has  rendered 
him  illustrious  forever.  But  it  is  equally  true,  that  with- 
out Washington,  this  day  could  never  have  acquired  that 
renown  i\i  the  history  of  human  liberty,  which  now, 
above  all  other  days,  it  enjoys.  We  may  not  say  that  the 
man  made  the  day,  or  the  day  the  man;  but  we  may  say 
that,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  they  were  made  for  each 
other,  and  both  for  the  hiojhest  and  most  endurins:  o-ood 
of  America  and  of  the  world. 

The  place  is  appropriate.  We  are  on  the  banks  of  his 
own  beloved  and  beautiful  Potomac.  On  one  side  of  us, 
within  a  few  hours'  sail,  are  the  hallowed  scenes  amid 
which  Washington  spent  all  of  his  mature  life,  which 
was  not  devoted  to  the  public  service  of  the  country,  and 
where  vStill  repose,  in  their  original  resting-place,  all  that 
remained  of  him  when  life  was  over.  On  the  other  side, 
and  within  our  more  immediate  view,  is  the  Capitol  of 


12 

the  Republic,  standing  on  the  site  selected  by  himself,  and 
within  whose  walls  the  rights  which  he  vindicated,  the 
principles  which  he  established,  the  institutions  which  he 
founded,  have  been,  and  are  still  to  be,  maintained,  deve- 
loped, and  advanced. 

The  witnesses  are  appropriate,  and  such  as  eminently 
befit  the  occasion. 

The  President  of  the  United  States  is  here;  and  feels, 
I  am  persuaded,  that  the  official  distinction  which  he 
lends  to  the  scene  has  no  higher  personal  charm,  if  any 
higher  public  dignity,  than  that  which  it  derives  from  its 
associations  with  his  earliest  and  most  illustrious  prede- 
cessor. "  I  hold  the  place  which  Washington  held," 
must  be  a  reflection  capable  of  sustaining  a  Chief  Magis- 
trate under  any  and  every  weight  of  responsibility  and 
care,  and  of  elevating  him  to  the  pursuit  of  the  purest 
and  loftiest  ends. 

Representatives  of  foreign  nations  are  here ;  ready  to 
bear  witness  to  the  priceless  example  which  America  has 
given  to  the  world,  in  the  character  of  him,  whose  fame 
has  long  since  ceased  to  be  the  property  of  any  country 
or  of  any  age. 

The  Vice-President  and  Senate  ;  the  Heads  of  Depart- 
ments; the  Judiciary;  the  Authorities  of  the  City  and 
District;  the  officers  of  the  army  and  navy  and  marines, 
from  many  a  field  and  many  a  flood  of  earlier  and  of  later 
fame;  veterans  of  the  line  and  volunteers,  fresh  from  the 
scenes  of  trial  and  of  triumph,  with  swords  already 
wreathed  with  myrtles,  which  every  patriot  prays  may 
prove  as  unfading  as  the  laurels  with  which  their  brows 


13 

are  bound ;  all  are  here ;  eager  to  attest  their  reverence 
for  the  n[iemory  of  one,  whom  statesmen  and  soldiers  have 
conspired  in  pronouncing  to  have  been  first  alike  in  peace 
and  in  war. 

The  Representatives  of  the  People  are  here ;  and  it  is 
only  as  their  organ  that  I  have  felt  it  incumbent  on  me, 
in  the  midst  of  cares  and  duties  which  would  have 
formed  an  ample  apology  for  declining  any  other  service, 
to  say  a  few  words  on  this  occasion.  Coming  here  in  no 
official  capacity,  I  yet  feel  that  I  bring  with  me  the  sanc- 
tion not  merely  of  the  Representatives  of  the  people,  but 
of  the  People  themselves,  for  all  that  I  can  say,  and  for 
much  more  than  I  can  sav,  in  honor  of  Washing^ton. 

And,  indeed,  the  People  themselves  are  here;  in  masses 
such  as  never  before  were  seen  within  the  shadows  of  the 
Capitol — a  cloud  of  witnesses — to  bring  their  own  heart- 
felt testimony  to  the  occasion.  From  all  the  States  of 
the  Union  ;  from  all  political  parties;  from  all  professions 
and  occupations;  men  of  all  sorts  and  conditions,  and 
those  before  whom  men  of  all  sorts  and  conditions  bow, 
as  lending  the  chief  ornament  and  grace  to  every  scene 
of  life;  the  people, — as  individual  citizens,  and  in  every 
variety  of  association,  military  and  masonic,  moral,  colle- 
giate, and  charitable,  Rechabites  and  Red  Men,  Sons  of 
Temperance  and  Firemen,  United  Brothers  and  Odd 
Fellows, — the  people  have  come  up  this  day  to  the  tem- 
ple gates  of  a  common  and  glorious  republic,  to  fraternize 
with  each  other  in  a  fresh  act  of  homage  to  the  memory 
of  the  man,  w^ho  was,  and  is,  and  will  forever  be,  "first 
in  the  hearts  of  his  countrymen!"     Welcome,  welcome, 


14 

Americans  all!  ''  The  name  of  American,  which  belongs 
to  you  in  your  national  capacity,  (I  borrow  the  words  of 
Washington  himself,)  must  always  exalt  the  just  pride 
of  patriotism  more  than  any  appellation  derived  from 
local  discriminations." 

Nor  can  I  feel,  fellow-citizens,  that  I  have  yet  made 
mention  of  all  who  are  with  us  at  this  hour.  Which  of 
■us  does  not  realize  that  unseen  witnesses  are  around  us? 
Think  ye,  that  the  little  band,  whose  feeble  forms  are 
spared  to  bless  our  sight  once  more,  are  all  of  the  army 
of  Washinfjton,  who  are  uniting  with  us  in  this  tribute 
of  reverence  for  his  memor}^  ?  Think  ye,  that  the  patriot 
soldiers  or  the  patriot  statesmen,  who  stood  around  him 
in  war  and  in  peace,  are  altogether  absent  from  a  scene 
like  this?  Adams  and  Jefferson,  joint  authors  of  the 
Declaration,  by  whose  lives  and  deaths  this  day  has  been 
doubly  hallowed ;  Hamilton  and  Madison,  joint  framers 
of  the  Constitution,  present,  visibly  present,  in  the  vene- 
rated persons  of  those  nearest  and  dearest  to  them  in 
life;  Marshall,  under  whose  auspices  the  work  before  us 
was  projected,  and  whose  classic  pen  had  already  con- 
structed a  monument  to  his  illustrious  compeer  and 
friend  more  durable  than  marble  or  granite;  Knox, 
Lincoln,  and  Green;  Franklin,  Jay,  Pickering,  and 
Morris ;  Schuyler  and  Putnam,  Stark  and  Prescott, 
Sumter  and  Marion,  Steuben,  Kosciusko,  and  Lafayette; 
companions,  counselors,  supporters,  friends,  followers  of 
Washington,  all,  all :  we  hail  them  from  their  orbs  on 
high,  and  feel  that  we  do  them  no  wrong  in  counting 
them  among  the  gratified  witnesses  of  this  occasion! 


15 

But  it  is  the  precise  epoch  at  which  we  have  arrived 
in  the  world's  history,  and  in  our  own  history,  which  im- 
parts to  this  occasion  an  interest  and  an  importance 
which  cannot  easily  be  over-estimated. 

I  can  make  but  the  merest  allusion  to  the  mighty 
movements  which  have  recently  taken  place  on  the  con- 
tinent of  Europe — where  events  which  would  have 
given  character  to  an  age,  have  been  crowded  within  the 
changes  of  a  moon. 

Interesting,  intensely  interesting,  as  these  events  have 
been  to  all  who  have  witnessed  them,  they  have  been 
tenfold  more  interesting  to  Americans.  We  see  in  them 
the  influence  of  our  own  institutions.  We  behold  in 
them  the  results  of  our  own  example.  We  recognize 
them  as  the  spontaneous  germination  and  growth  of 
seeds  which  have  been  wafted  over  the  ocean,  for  half  a 
century  past,  from  our  own  original  Liberty  Tree. 

The  distinguished  writer  of  the  declaration  which 
made  this  day  memorable,  was  full  of  apprehensions  as 
to  the  influence  of  the  Old  World  upon  the  New,  He 
even  wished,  on  one  occasion,  that  "  an  ocean  of  Are" 
might  roll  between  America  and  Europe,  to  cut  off"  and 
consume  those  serpent  fascinations  and  seductions  which 
were  to  corrupt,  if  not  to  strangle  outright,  our  infant 
freedom  in  its  cradle. 

Doubtless,  these  were  no  idle  fears  at  the  time.  Doubt- 
less, there  are  dangers  still,  which  might  almost  seem  to 
have  justified  such  a  wish.  But  it  is  })lain  that  the  cur- 
rents of  political  influence  thus  far  have  run  deepest  and 
strongest  in  the  opposite  direction.     The  iiiflutnct  of  the 


16 

New  world  upon  the  Old  is  the  great  moral  of  the  events 
of  the  day. 

Mr.  Jefferson's  "ocean  of  fire"  has,  indeed,  been  al- 
most realized,  A  tremendous  enginery  has  covered  the 
sea  with  smoke  and  flame.  The  fiery  dragon  has  ceased 
to  be  a  fable.  The  inspired  description  of  Leviathan  is 
fulfilled  to  the  letter.  "  Out  of  his  mouth  go  burning 
lamps,  and  sparks  of  fire  leap  out.  Out  of  his  nostrils 
goeth  smoke,  as  out  of  a  seething  pot  or  caldron.  His 
breath  kindleth  coals,  and  a  flame  goeth  out  of  his  mouth. 
He  maketh  the  deep  to  boil  like  a  pot ;  he  maketh  the 
sea  like  a  pot  of  ointment." 

But  the  Saint  George  of  modern  civilization  and  sci- 
ence, instead  of  slaying  the  dragon,  has  subdued  him  to 
the  yoke,  and  broken  him  in  to  the  service  of  mankind. 
The  ocean  of  fire  has  only  facilitated  the  intercourse 
which  it  was  invoked  to  destroy.  And  the  result  is  be- 
fore the  world. 

New  modes  of  communication,  regular  and  more  rapid 
interchanges  of  information  and  opinion,  freer  and  more 
frequent  comparisons  of  principles,  of  institutions,  and  of 
conditions,  have  at  length  brought  the  political  systems 
of  the  two  continents  into  conflict;  and  prostrate  thrones 
and  reeling  empires  this  day  bear  witness  to  the  shock  ! 

Yes,  fellow-citizens,  (if  I  may  be  allowed  the  figure,) 
the  great  upward  and  downward  trains  on  the  track  of 
human  freedom  have  at  last  come  into  collision  !  It  is 
too  early  as  yet  for  any  one  to  pronounce  upon  the  pre- 
cise consequences  of  the  encounter.  But  we  can  see  at 
a  glance  what  ensfines  have  been  shattered,  and  what 


17 

engineers  have  been  dashed  from  their  seals.  We  can 
see,  too,  that  the  great  American  built  locomotive  "Li- 
berty" still  holds  on  its  course,  unimpeded  and  unim- 
naired ;  gathering  strength  as  it  goes;  developing  new 
energies  to  meet  new  exigencies ;  and  bearing  alo  its 
mperial  train  of  twenty  millions  of  people  with  a  speed 
.vhich  knows  no  parallel. 

Nor  can  we  fail  to  observe  that  men  are  everywhere 
beginning  to  examine  the  model  of  this  mighty  engine, 
and  that  not  a  few  have  already  begun  to  copy  its  con- 
struction and  to  imitate  its  machinery.  The  great  doctrines 
of  our  own  Revolution,  that  "all  men  are  created  equal; 
that  they  are  endowed  by  their  Creator  with  certain  in- 
alienable rights  ;  that  among  these  are  life,  liberty,  and 
the  pursuit  of  happiness;  that  to  secure  these  rights  Go- 
vernments are  instituted  among  men,  deriving  their  just 
powers  from  the  consent  of  the  governed  ;  that  whenever 
any  form  of  government  becomes  destructive  of  these 
ends  it  is  the  right  of  the  people  to  alter  or  to  abolish  it 
and  to  institute  a  new  Government,  laying  its  foundation 
on  such  principles  and  organizing  its  powers  in  such 
form  as  to  them,  shall  seem  most  likely  to  effect  their 
safety  and  happiness;"  these  fundamental  maxims  of 
the  rights  of  man  are  proclaimed  as  emphatically  this  day 
in  Paris,  as  they  were  seventy-two  years  ago  this  day  in 
Philadelphia. 

And  not  in  Paris  alone.  The  whole  civilized  world 
resounds  with  American  opinions  and  American  princi- 
ples. Every  vale  is  vocal  with  them.  Every  mountain 
has  found  a  tongue  for  them. 


18 

Sonitum  toto  Germania  ccelo 

Autliit,  et  insolitis  tremuerunt  motibus  Alpes. 

Everywhere  the  people  are  heard  calhng  their  rulers 
to  account  and  holding  them  to  a  just  responsibility. 
Everywhere  the  cry  is  raised  for  the  elective  franchise, 
the  trial  by  jury,  the  freedom  of  the  press,  written  con- 
stitutions, representative  systems,  republican  forms. 

In  some  cases,  most  fortunately,  the  rulers  themselves 
have  not  escaped  some  seasonable  symptoms  of  the  per- 
vading fervor  for  freedom,  and  have  nobly  anticipated 
the  demands  of  their  subjects.  To  the  sovereign  Pontiff 
of  the  Roman  States  in  particular,  belongs  the  honor  of 
having  led  the  way  in  the  great  movement  of  the  day, 
and  no  American  will  withhold  from  him  a  cordial  tri- 
bute of  respect  and  admiration  for  whatever  he  has  done 
or  designed  for  the  regeneration  of  Italy.  Glorious,  in- 
deed, on  the  page  of  history  will  be  the  name  of  Pius  IX., 
if  the  rise  of  another  Rome  shall  be  traced  to  his  wise 
and  liberal  policy.  Yet  not  less  truly  glorious,  if  his 
own  authority  should  date  its  decline  to  his  noble  refusal 
to  lend  his  apostolical  sanction  to  a  war  of  conquest. 

For  Italy,  however,  and  for  France,  and  for  the  whole 
European  world  alike,  a  great  work  still  remains.  A 
rational,  practical,  enduring  liberty  cannot  be  acquired  in 
a  paroxysm,  cannot  be  established  by  a  proclamation. 
It  is  not, — our  own  history  proves  that  it  is  not — 

"  The  hasty  product  of  a  day, 
But  the  well-ripened  fruit  of  wise  delay." 

The  redress  of  a  few  crying  grievances,  the  reform  of 


19 

a  few  glaring  abuses,  the  banishment  of  a  minister,  the 
burning  of  a  throne,  the  overthrow  of  a  dynasty,  these 
are  but  scanty  preparations  for  the  mighty  undertaking 
upon  which  they  have  entered.  New  systems  are  to  be 
constructed  ;  new  forms  to  be  established ;  new  Govern- 
ments to  be  instituted,  organized,  and  administered,  upon 
principles  which  shall  reconcile  the  seeming  conflict  be- 
tween liberty  and  law,  and  secure  to  every  one  the  enjoy- 
ment of  regulated  constitutional  freedom. 

And  it  is  at  this  moment,  fellow-citizens,  when  this 
vast  labor  is  about  to  be  commenced,  when  the  files  of 
the  Old  World  are  searched  in  vain  for  precedents,  and 
the  file-leaders  of  the  Old  World  are  looked  to  in  vain 
for  pioneers,  and  when  all  eyes  are  strained  to  find  the 
men,  to  find  the  man,  who  is  sufficient  for  these  things, 
it  is  at  such  a  moment  that  we  are  assembled  on  this 
pinnacle  of  the  American  Republic — I  might  almost  say 
by  some  Divine  impulse  and  direction — to  hold  up  afresh 
to  the  admiration  and  imitation  of  mankind  the  character 
and  example  of  George  Washington. 

Let  us  contemplate  that  character  and  that  example 
for  a  moment,  and  see  whether  there  be  anything  in  all 
the  treasures  of  our  country's  fame,  I  do  not  say  merely 
of  equal  intrinsic  value,  but  of  such  eminent  adaptation 
to  the  exigencies  of  the  time  and  the  immediate  wants  of 
the  world. 

I  will  enter  into  no  details  of  his  personal  history. 
Washington's  birthday  is  a  National  Festival.  His 
whole  life,  boyhood  and  manhood,  has  been  learned  by- 
heart  by  us  all.     Who  knows  not  that  he  was  a  self- 


20 

made  man?  Who  knows  not  that  the  only  education 
which  he  enjoyed  was  that  of  the  common  schools  of 
Virginia,  which,  at  that  day,  were  of  the  very  common- 
est sort?  Who  remembers  not  those  extraordinary 
youthful  adventures,  by  which  he  was  trained  up  to  the 
great  work  of  his  destiny?  Who  remembers  not  the 
labors  and  exposures  which  he  encountered  as  a  land 
surveyor  at  the  early  age  of  sixteen  years?  AVho  has 
forgotten  the  perils  of  his  journey  of  forty-one  days,  and 
five  hundred  and  sixty  miles,  from  Williamsburg  to 
French  Creek,  when  sent,  at  the  age  of  only  twenty-one, 
as  commissioner  from  Gov.  Dinwiddle,  to  demand  of  the 
French  forces  their  authority  for  invading  the  king's  do- 
minions? Who  has  not  followed  him  a  hundred  times, 
with  breathless  anxiety,  as  he  threads  his  way  through 
that  pathless  wilderness,  at  one  moment  fired  at  by 
Indians  at  fifteen  paces,  at  the  next  wrecked  upon  a  raft 
amid  snow  and  ice,  and  subjected  throughout  to  every 
danoer,  which  treacherous  elements  or  still  more  treache- 
rous  enemies  could  involve?  Who  has  forgotten  his 
hardly  less  miraculous  escape,  a  few  years  later,  on  the 
banks  of  the  Monongahela,  when,  foremost  in  that  fear- 
ful fight,  he  was  the  only  mounted  ofiicer  of  the  British 
troops  who  was  not  either  killed  or  desperately  wounded? 
Let  me  not  speak  of  Washington  as  a  merely  self-made 
man.  There  were  influences  employed  in  moulding  and 
making  him,  far,  far  above  his  own  control.  Bereft  of 
his  father  at  the  tender  age  of  eleven  years,  he  had  a 
mother  left,  to  whom  the  world  can  never  over-estimate 
its  debt.     And  higher,  holier  still,  was  the  guardianship 


21 

so  signally  manifested  in  nnore  than  one  event  of  his  life 
"  By  the  all-powerful  dispensations  of  Providence,"  wrote 
Washington  himself  to  his  venerated  parent,  after  Brad- 
dock's  defeat,  "  1  have  been  protected  beyond  all  human 
probability  or  expectation ;  for  I  had  four  bullets  through 
my  coat,  and  two  horses  shot  under  me;  yet  I  escaped 
unhurt,  although  death  was  leveling  my  companions  on 
every  side  of  me."  Well  did  the  eloquent  pastor  of  a 
neighboring  parish,  on  his  return,  "point  out  to  the  public 
that  heroic  youth.  Colonel  Washington,  whom  (says  he) 
I  cannot  but  hope  Providence  has  hitherto  preserved  in 
so  signal  a  manner  for  some  important  service  to  the 
country." 

And  not  less  natural  or  less  striking  was  the  testimony 
of  the  Indian  chief,  who  told  Washington,  fifteen  years 
afterwards,  "  That  at  the  battle  of  the  Monongahela,  he 
had  singled  him  out  as  a  conspicuous  object,  had  fired 
his  rifle  at  him  many  times,  and  directed  his  young  war- 
riors to  do  the  same,  but  that,  to  his  ntter  astonishment, 
none  of  their  balls  took  effect;  that  he  was  then  persuaded 
that  the  youthful  hero  was  under  the  special  guardianship 
of  the  Great  Spirit,  and  immediately  ceased  to  fire  at 
him;  and  that  he  was  now  come  to  pay  homage  to  the 
man  who  was  the  particular  favorite  of  Heaven,  and  who 
could  never  die  in  battle." 

Our  Revolutionary  fathers  had  many  causes  for  ador- 
ing the  invisible  hand  by  which  they  were  guided  and 
guarded  in  their  greafstruggle  for  liberty  ;  but  none,  none 
stronger  than  this  Providential  preparation  and  preserva- 
tion of  their  destined  chief.     Be  it  ours  to  prolong  that 


22 

anthem  of  gratitude  which  may  no  more  be  heard  from 
their  mute  Hps :  "  The  grave  cannot  praise  Thee  ;  death 
cannot  celebrate  Thee;  but  the  Uving,  the  Uving,  they 
shall  praise  Thee,  as  we  do  this  day  !" 

Of  the  public  services  of  Washington  to  our  own 
country,  for  which  he  was  thus  prepared  and  preserved, 
it  is  enough  to  say,  that  in  the  three  great  epochs  of  our 
national  history  he  stands  forth  pre-eminent  and  peerless, 
the  master-spirit  of  the  time. 

In  the  war  of  the  Revolution  we  see  him  the  Leader 
of  our  Armies. 

In  the  formation  of  the  Constitution,  we  see  him  the 
President  of  our  Councils. 

In  the  organization  of  the  Federal  Government,  we  see 
him  the  Chief  Magistrate  of  our  Republic. 

Indeed,  from  the  memorable  day  when,  under  the 
unheard  but  by  no  means  inauspicious  salute  of  both 
British  and  American  batteries,  engaged  in  no  holiday 
exercise  on  Bunker  Hill,  it  was  unanimously  resolved, 
that,  George  Washington  having  been  chosen  com- 
mander-in-chief of  such  forces  as  are  or  shall  be  raised 
for  the  maintenance  and  preservation  of  American  liberty, 
"  This  Congress  doth  now  declare  that  they  will  maintain 
and  assist  him,  and  adhere  to  him,  the  said  George  Wash- 
ington, with  their  lives  and  fortunes  in  the  same  cause ;" 
from  this  ever-memorable  17th  of  June,  1775 — a  day  on 
which  (as  has  been  well  said*)  Providence  kept  an  even 
balance  with  the  cause,  and  while  it  took  from  us  a  W^ar- 
ren  gave  us  a  Washington — to  the  14th  day  of  December 

*  By  Edward  Everell. 


23 

1799,  when  he  died,  we  shall  search  the  annals  of  our 
land  in  vain  for  any  important  scene,  in  which  he  was 
anything  less  than  the  principal  figure. 

It  is,  however,  the  character  of  Washington,  and  not 
the  mere  part  which  he  played,  which  I  would  hold  up 
this  day  to  the  world  as  worthy  of  endless  and  universal 
commemoration.  The  highest  official  distinctions  may 
be  enjoyed,  and  the  most  important  public  services  ren- 
dered, by  men  whose  lives  will  not  endure  examination. 
It  is  the  glory  of  Washington,  that  the  virtues  of  the  man 
outshone  even  the  brilUancy  of  his  acts,  and  that  the  re- 
sults which  he  accomplished  were  only  the  legitimate 
exempUfications  of  the  principles  wliich  he  professed  and 
cherished. 

In  the  whole  history  of  the  world  it  may  be  doubted 
whether  any  man  can  be  found,  who  has  exerted  a  more 
controlling  influence  over  men  and  over  events  than 
George  Washington.  To  what  did  he  owe  that  influence? 
How  did  he  win,  how  did  he  wield,  that  magic  power, 
that  majestic  authority,  over  the  minds  and  hearts  of  his 
countrymen  and  of  mankind  ?  In  what  did  the  power  of 
Washington  consist  ? 

It  was  not  the  power  of  vast  learning  or  varied  acquire- 
ments. He  made  no  pretensions  to  scholarship,  and  had 
no  opportunity  for  extensive  reading. 

It  was  not  the  power  of  sparkling  wit  or  glowing 
rhetoric.  Tliough  long  associated  with  deliberative 
bodies,  he  never  made  a  set  speech  in  his  life,  nor  ever 
mingled  in  a  stormy  debate. 

It  was  not,  the  power  of  personal  fascination.     There 


24 

was  little  about  him  of  that  gracious  affability  which 
sometimes  lends  such  resistless  attraction  to  men  of  com- 
manding position.  His  august  presence  inspired  more 
of  awe  than  of  affection,  and  his  friends,  numerous  and 
devoted  as  they  were,  were  bound  to  him  rather  by  ties 
of  respect  than  of  love. 

It  was  not  the  power  of  a  daring  and  desperate  spirit 
of  heroic  adventure.  "  If  I  ever  said  so,"  replied  Wash- 
inorton,  when  asked  whether  he  had  said  that  there  was 
something  charming  in  the  sound  of  a  whistling  bullet ; 
"if  I  ever  said  so,  it  was  when  I  was  young."  He  had 
no  passion  for  mere  exploits.  He  sought  no  bubble 
reputation  in  the  cannon's  mouth.  With  a  courage 
never  questioned,  and  equal  to  every  exigency,  he  had 
yet  "  a  wisdom  which  did  guide  his  valor  to  act  in 
safety." 

In  what,  then,  did  the  power  of  Washington  consist? 
When  Patrick  Henry  returned  home  from  the  first  conti- 
nental Congress,  and  w^as  asked  who  was  the  greatest 
man  in  that  body,  he  replied  :  "  If  you  speak  of  elo- 
quence, Mr.  Rutledge,  of  South  Carolina,  is  the  greatest 
orator;  but  if  you  speak  of  solid  information  and  sound 
judgment,  Col.  Washington  is  by  far  the  greatest  man  on 
that  floor." 

When,  fifteen  years  earlier,  Washington,  at  the  close 
of  the  French  war,  took  his  seat  for  the  first  time  in  the 
House  of  Burgesses  of  Virginia,  and  a  vote  of  thanks  was 
presented  to  him  for  his  military  services  to  the  Colony, 
his  hesitation  and  embarrassment  were  relieved  by  the 
Speaker,  who  said,  "  Sit  down,  Mr.  Washington,  your 


25 

modesty  equals  your  valor ;  and  that  surpasses  the  power 
of  any  language  that  I  possess." 

But  it  was  not  solid  information,  or  sound  judgment, 
or  even  that  rare  combination  of  surpassing  modesty  and 
valor,  great  as  these  qualities  are,  which  gave  Washing- 
ton such  a  hold  on  the  regard,  respect,  and  confidence  of 
the  American  people.  I  hazard  nothing  in  saying  that  it 
was  the  high  moral  elements  of  his  character  w-hich  im- 
parted  to  it  its  preponderating  force.  His  incorruptible 
honesty,  his  uncompromising  truth,  his  devout  reliance 
on  God,  the  purity  of  his  life,  the  scrupulousness  of  his 
conscience,  the  disinterestedness  of  his  purposes,  his  hu- 
manity, generosity,  and  justice — these  were  the  ingredi- 
ents which,  blending  harmoniously  with  solid  informa- 
tion and  sound  judgment  and  a  valor  only  equalled  by 
his  modesty,  made  up  a  character  to  which  the  world 
may  be  fearlessly  challenged  for  a  parallel. 

"Labor  to  keep  alive  in  your  breast  that  little  spark  of 
celestial  fire,  conscience,''''  was  one  of  a  series  of  maxims 
which  Washington  framed  or  copied  for  his  own  use 
when  a  boy.  His  rigid  adherence  to  principle,  his  stead- 
fast discharge  of  duty,  his  utter  abandonment  of  self,  his 
unreserved  devotion  to  whatever  interests  were  committed 
to  his  care,  attest  the  more  than  Vestal  vigilance  with 
which  he  observed  that  maxim.  He  kept  alive  that  spark. 
He  made  it  shine  before  men.  He  kindled  it  into  a  flame 
which  illumined  his  whole  life.  No  occasion  was  so  mo- 
mentous, no  circumstances  were  so  minute,  as  to  absolve 
him  from  following  its  guiding  ray.  The  marginal  ex- 
planation in  his  account  book,  in  regard  to  the  expenses 


26 

of  his  wife's  annual  visit  to  the  camp  during  the  revolu- 
tionary war,  with  his  passing  allusion  to  the  "self  de- 
nial" which  the  exigencies  of  his  country  had  cost  him, 
furnishes  a  charming  illustration  of  his  habitual  exact- 
ness. The  fact  that  every  barrel  of  flour  which  bore  the 
brand  of  "  George  Washington,  Mount  Vernon,"  was 
exempted  from  the  customary  inspection  in  the  West 
India  ports — that  name  being  regarded  as  an  ample 
guaranty  of  the  quality  and  quantity  of  any  article  to 
which  it  was  aflixed — supplies  a  not  less  striking  proof 
that  his  exactness  was  everywhere  understood. 

Everybody  saw  that  Washington  sought  nothing  for 
himself.  Everybody  knew  that  he  sacrificed  nothing  to 
personal  or  to  party  ends.  Hence,  the  mighty  influence, 
the  matchless  sway,  which  he  exercised  over  all  around 
him.  *'  He  was  the  only  man  in  the  United  States  who 
possessed  the  confidence  of  all,  (said  Thomas  Jefferson  ;) 
there  was  no  other  one  who  was  considered  as  anything 
more  than  a  party  leader." 

Who  ever  thinks  of  Washington  as  a  mere  politician? 
Who  ever  associates  him  with  the  petty  arts  and  pitiful 
intrigues  of  partisan  ofl[ice-seekers  or  partisan  office- 
holders? Who  ever  pictures  him  canvassing  for  votes, 
deaUng  out  proscription,  or  doling  out  patronage? 

"  No  part  of  my  duty,"  wrote  Washington  to  Gover- 
nor Bowdoin,  in  a  letter,  the  still  unpublished  original  of 
which  is  a  precious  inheritance  of  my  own  :  "  No  part  of 
my  duty  will  be  more  delicate,  and  in  many  instances 
more  unpleasant,  than  that  of  nominating  and  appointing 
persons  to  office.     It  will  undoubtedly  happen  that  there 


27 

will  be  several  candidates  for  the  same  office,  whose  pre- 
tensions, abilities,  and  integrity  may  be  nearly  equal,  and 
who  will  come  forward  so  equally  supported  in  every 
respect  as  almost  to  require  the  aid  of  supernatural  intui- 
tion to  fix  upon  the  right^  I  shall,  however,  in  all  events, 
have  the  satisfaction  to  reflect  that  I  entered  upon  my 
administration  unconfined  by  a  single  engagement,  unin- 
fluenced by  any  ties  of  blood  or  friendship,  and  with  the 
best  intention  and  fullest  determination  to  nominate  to 
office  those  persons  only  who,  upon  every  consideration, 
were  the  most  deserving,  and  w4io  would  probably  exe- 
cute their  several  functions  to  the  interest  and  credit  of 
the  American  Union;  if  such  characters  could  be  found 
by  my  exploring  every  avenue  of  information  respecting 
their  merits  and  pretensions  that  it  was  in  ray  power  to 
obtain." 

And  there  was  as  little  of  the  vulgar  hero  about  him, 
as  there  was  of  the  mere  politician.  At  the  head  of  a 
victorious  army,  of  which  he  was  the  idol — an  army  too 
often  provoked  to  the  very  verge  of  mutiny  by  the  neglect 
of  an  inefficient  Government — we  find  him  the  constant 
counselor  of  subordination  and  submission  to  the  civil 
authority.  With  the  sword  of  a  conqueror  at  his  side, 
we  find  him  the  unceasing  advocate  of  peace.  Repeat- 
edly invested  with  more  than  the  power  of  a  Roman  Dic- 
tator, we  see  him  receiving  that  power  with  reluctance, 
employing  it  with  the  utmost  moderation,  and  eagerly 
embracing  the  earliest  opportunity  to  resign  it.  The 
off'er  of  a  Crown  could  not,  did  not,  tempt  him  for  an  m- 


28 

slant  irom  his  allegiance  to  liberty.*  He  rejected  it  with 
indignation  and  abhorrence,  and  proceeded  to  devote  all 
his  energies  and  all  his  influence,  all  his  popularity  and 
all  his  ability,  to  the  establishment  of  that  Republican 
System,  of  which  he  was  from  first  to  last  the  uncompro- 
mising advocate,  and  with  the  ultimate  success  of  which 
he  believed  the  best  interests  of  America  and  of  the  world 
were  inseparably  connected. 

It  is  thus  that,  in  contemplating  the  character  of  Wash- 
ington, the  offices  which  he  held,  the  acts  which  he  per- 
formed, his  successes  as  a  statesman,  his  triumphs  as  a 
soldier,  almost  fade  from  our  sight.  It  is  not  the  Wash- 
ington of  the  Delaware,  or  the  Brandywine,  of  German- 
town,  or  of  Monmouth;  it  is  not  Washington,  the 
President  of  the  Convention,  or  the  President  of  the 
Republic,  which  we  admire.  We  cast  our  eyes  over  his 
life,  not  to  be  dazzled  by  the  meteoric  lu.stre  of  particular 
passages,  but  to  behold  its  whole  pathway  radiant,  radiant 
everywhere,  with  the  true  glory  of  a  just,  conscientious, 
consummate  man!  Of  him  we  feel  it  to  be  no  exagge- 
ration to  say  that 

"All  the  ends  he  aimed  at 
Were  his  Country's,  his  God's,  and  Truth's." 

Of  him  we  feel  it  to  be  no  exaggeration  to  say,  that  he 
stands  upon  the  page  of  history  the  great  modern  illus- 
tration and  example  of  that  exquisite  and  Divine  precept, 
which  fell  from  the  lips  of  the  dying  monarch  of  Israel — 
"He  that  ruleth  over  men  must  be  just,  ruling  in  the 
fear  of  God ;" 

*  Sparks'  Life  of  Washington,  pp.  351-5. 


29 

"  And  he  shall  be  as  the  lifjht  of  the  mornino^  when 
the  sun  riseth,  even  a  morning  without  clouds!" 

And  now,  fellow-citizens,  it  is  this  incomparable  and 
transcendent  character,  which  America,  on  this  occasion, 
holds  up  afresh  to  the  admiration  of  mankind.  Believing  it 
to  be  the  only  character  which  could  have  carried  us  safely 
through  our  own  revolutionary  struggles,  we  present  it, 
especially,  this  day,  to  the  wistful  gaze  of  convulsed  and 
distracted  Europe.  May  we  not  hope  that  there  may  be 
kindred  spirits  over  the  sea,  upon  whom  the  example 
may  impress  itself,  till  they  shall  be  inflamed  with  a 
noble  rage  to  follow  it?  Shall  we  not  call  upon  them  to 
turn  from  a  vain  reliance  upon  their  old  idols,  and  to  be- 
hold here,  in  the  mingled  moderation  and  courage,  in  the 
combined  piety  and  patriotism,  in  the  blended  virtue, 
])rinciple,  wisdom,  valor,  self-denial,  and  self-devotion  of 
our  Washington,  the  express  image  of  the  man,  the  only 
man,  for  their  occasion? 

Daphni,  quid  antiquos  pignonim  suspicis  orliis, 
Ecce  Dionaei  processit  Cassaris  astriun  I 

Let  US  rejoice  that  our  call  is  anticipated.  Washington 
is  no  new  name  to  Europe.  His  star  has  been  seen  in 
every  sky,  and  wise  men  everywhere  have  done  it  hom- 
age. To  what  other  merely  human  being,  indeed,  has 
such  homage  ever  before  or  since  been  rendered? 

"I  have  a  large  acquaintance  among  the  most  valuable 
and  exalted  classes  of  men,"  wrote  Erskine  to  Washing- 
ton himself,  "but  you  are  the  only  being  for  whom  I  ever 
felt  an  awful  reverence." 


30 

"  Illustrious  man !"  said  Fox  of  him,  in  the  Britisa 
House  of  Commons  in  1794,  "deriving  honor  less  from 
the  splendor  of  his  situation  than  from  the  dignity  of  his 
mind;  before  whom  all  borrowed  greatness  sinks  into  in- 
significance, and  all  the  potentates  of  Europe*  become 
little  and  contemptible." 

"Washington  is  dead!"  proclaimed  Napoleon,  on  hear- 
ing of  the  event.  "This  great  man  fought  against  ty- 
ranny; he  established  the  liberty  of  his  country.  His 
memory  will  be  always  dear  to  the  French  people,  as  it 
will  be  to  all  free  men  of  the  two  worlds." 

"  It  will  be  the  duty  of  the  historian  and  the  sage  in 
all  ages,"  says  Lord  Brougham,  "  to  let  no  occasion  pass 
of  commemorating  this  illustrious  man ;  and,  until  time 
shall  be  no  more,  will  a  test  of  the  progress  which  our 
race  has  made  in  wisdom  and  virtue  be  derived  from  the 
veneration  paid  to  the  immortal  name  of  AVashington." 

"One  thing  is  certain,"  says  Guizot — "one  thing  is 
certain;  that  which  Washington  did — the  founding  of  a 
free  government  by  order  and  peace,  at  the  close  of  the 
revolution — no  other  policy  than  his  could  have  accom- 
plished." 

And  later,  better  still:  "Efface  henceforth  the  name 
of  Machiavel,"  said  Lamartine,  within  a  few  weeks  past, 
in  his  reply  to  the  Italian  association — "  efface  henceforth 
the  name  of  Machiavel  from  your  titles  of  glory,  and  sub- 
stitute for  it  the  name  of  Washington ;  that  is  the  one 

*  It  was  not  thought  necessary  to  disfigure  the  text,  by  inserting 
ihe  loyal  parenthesis,  "(excepting  the  members  of  our  own  royal 
family)." 


31 

which  should  now  be  proclaimed ;  that  is  the  name  of 
modern  liberty.  It  is  no  longer  the  name  of  a  politician 
or  a  conqueror  that  is  required;  it  is  that  of  a  man,  the 
most  disinterested,  the  most  devoted  to  the  people.  This 
is  the  man  required  by  liberty.  The  want  of  the  age 
is  a  European  Washington  !" 

And  who  shall  supply  that  want  but  he  who  so  vividly 
realizes  it?  Enthusiastic,  eloquent,  admirable  Lamar- 
tine  !  Though  the  magic  wires  may  even  now  be  trem- 
bling with  the  tidings  of  his  downfall,  we  will  not  yet 
quite  despair  of  him.  Go  on  in  the  high  career  to  which 
you  have  been  called  !  Fall  in  it,  if  it  must  be  so ;  but 
fall  not,  falter  not,  from  it !  Imitate  the  character  you 
have  so  nobly  appreciated  !  Fulfil  the  pledges  you  have 
so  gloriously  given !  Plead  still  against  the  banner  of 
blood!  Strive  still  against  the  reign  of  terror!  Aim 
still 

"  By  winning  words  to  conquer  willing  hearts, 
And  make  persuasion  do  the  work  of  fear!" 

May  a  gallant  and  generous  people  second  you,  and  the 
Power  which  preserved  Washington  sustain  you,  until 
you  have  secured  peace,  order,  freedom  to  your  country ! 

"  Si  qua  fata  aspera  rumpas, 
Tu  Marcellus  eris."* 

But,  fellow-citizens,  while  we  thus  commend  the  cha- 

*■  These  forebodings  were  but  too  soon  fulfilled.  The  tidings  of 
Lamartine's  downfall  were  received  a  few  days  after  this  Address  was 
delivered. 


32 

racter  and  example  of  Washington  to  others,  let  us  not 
forget  to  imitate  it  ourselves.  I  have  spoken  of  the  pre- 
cise period  which  we  have  reached  in  our  own  history, 
as  well  as  in  that  of  the  world  at  large,  as  giving  some- 
thing of  peculiar  interest  to  the  proceedings  in  which  we 
are  engaged.  I  may  not,  I  will  not,  disturb  the  harmony 
of  the  scene  before  me  by  the  slightest  allusion  of  a  party 
character.  The  circumstances  of  the  occasion  forbid  it; 
the  associations  of  the  day  forbid  it ;  the  character  of  him 
in  whose  honor  we  are  assembled,  forbids  it;  my  own 
feelings  revolt  from  it.  But  I  may  say,  I  must  say,  and 
every  one  within  the  sound  of  my  voice  will  sustain  me 
in  saying,  that  there  has  been  no  moment  since  Wash- 
ington himself  was  among  us,  when  it  was  more  import- 
ant than  at  this  moment  that  the  two  great  leading  prin- 
ciples of  his  policy  should  be  remembered  and  che- 
rished. 

Those  principles  were,  first,  the  most  complete,  cor- 
dial, and  indissoluble  Union  of  the  States;  and,  second, 
the  most  entire  separation  and  disentanglement  of  our 
own  country  from  all  other  countries.  Perfect  union 
among  ourselves,  perfect  neutrality  tow^ards  others,  and 
peace,  peace,  domestic  peace  and  foreign  peace,  as  the 
result;  this  was  the  chosen  and  consummate  policy  of 
the  Father  of  his  Country. 

But  above  all,  and  before  all,  in  the  heart  of  Washing- 
ton, was  the  Union  of  the  States;  and  no  opportunity  was 
ever  omitted  by  him,  to  impress  upon  his  fellow-citizens 
the  profound  sense  which  he  entertained,  of  its  vital  im- 
portance at  once  to  their  prosperity  and  their  liberty. 


33 

In  that  incomparable  address  in  which  he  bade  fare- 
well to  his  countrymen  at  the  close  of  his  Presidential 
service,  he  touched  upon  many  other  topics  with  the  ear- 
nestness of  a  sincere  conviction.  He  called  upon  them 
in  solemn  terms,  to  "cherish  public  credit;"  to  "observe 
good  faith  and  justice  towards  all  nations,"  avoiding  both 
"inveterate  antipathies,  and  passionate  attachments"  to- 
wards any;  to  mitigate  and  assuage  the  unquenchable 
fire  of  party  spirit,  "lest,  instead  of  warming,  it  should 
consume;"  to  abstain  from  "characterizing  parties  by 
geographical  distinctions;"  "to  promote  institutions  for 
the  general  diffusion  of  knowledge;"  to  respect  and  up- 
hold "religion  and  morality  ;  those  great  pillars  of  human 
happiness,  those  firmest  props  of  the  duties  of  men  and 
of  citizens." 

But  what  can  exceed,  what  can  equal,  the  accumulated 
intensity  of  thought  and  of  expression  with  which  he 
calls  upon  them  to  cling  to  the  Union  of  the  States.  "It 
is  of  infinite  moment,"  says  he,  in  language  which  we 
ought  never  to  be  weary  of  hearing  or  of  repeating,  "  that 
you  should  properly  estimate  the  immense  value  of  your 
National  Union  to  your  collective  and  individual  happi- 
ness; that  you  should  cherish  a  cordial,  habitual,  immov- 
able attachment  to  it;  accustoming  yourselves  to  think 
and  speak  of  it  as  of  the  palladium  of  your  political  safety 
and  prosperity ;  watching  for  its  preservation  with  jea- 
lous anxiety;  discountenancing  whatever  may  suggest 
even  a  suspicion  that  it  can,  in  any  events  be  abancioned  ; 
and  indignantly  frowning  upon  the  first  dawning  of  every 
attempt  to  alienate  any  portion  of  our  country  from  the 
3 


34 

rest,  or  to  enfeeble  the  sacred  ties  which  now  link  toge- 
ther the  various  parts." 

The  Union,  the  Union  in  any  event,  was  thus  the  sen- 
timent of  Washington.  The  Union,  the  Union  in  any 
event,  let  it  be  our  sentiment  this  day ! 

Yes,  to-day,  fellow-citizens,  at  the  very  moment  when 
the  extension  of  our  boundaries  and  the  multiplication  of 
our  territories  are  producing,  directly,  and  indirectly, 
among  the  different  members  of  our  political  system,  so 
many  marked  and  mourned  centrifugal  tendencies,  let 
us  seize  this  occasion  to  renew  to  each  other  our  vows  of 
allegiance  and  devotion  to  the  American  Union,  and  let 
us  recognize  in  our  common  title  to  the  name  and  the 
fame  of  Washington,  and  in  our  common  veneration  for 
his  example  and  his  advice,  the  all-sufficient  centripetal 
power,  which  shall  hold  the  thick  clustering  stars  of  our 
confederacy  in  one  glorious  constellation  forever  !  Let 
the  column  which  we  are  about  to  construct,  be  at  once  a 
pledge  and  an  emblem  of  perpetual  union!  Let  the 
foundations  be  laid,  let  the  superstructure  be  built  up  and 
cemented,  let  each  stone  be  raised  and  riveted,  in  a  spirit 
of  national  brotherhood!  And  may  the  earliest  ray  of 
the  risin":  sun — till  that  sun  shall  set  to  rise  no  more — 
draw  forth  from  it  dailv,  as  from  the  fabled  statue  of 
antiquity,  a  strain  of  national  harmony,  which  shall 
strike  a  responsive  chord  in  every  heart  throughout  the 
Republic ! 

Proceed,  then,  fellow-citizens,  with  the  work  for  which 
you  have  assembled!  Lay  the  corner-stone  of  a  monu- 
ment which  shall  adequately  bespeak  the  gratitude  of  the 


35 

whole  American  people  to  the  illustrious  Father  of  his 
country !  Build  it  to  the  skies  ;  you  cannot  outreach  the 
loftiness  of  his  principles !  Found  it  upon  the  massive 
and  eternal  rock;  you  cannot  make  it  more  enduring  than 
his  fame!  Construct  it  of  the  peerless  Parian  marble; 
you  cannot  make  it  purer  than  his  life !  Exhaust  upon 
it  the  rules  and  principles  of  ancient  and  of  modern  art; 
you  cannot  make  it  more  proportionate  than  his  cha- 
racter ! 

But  let  not  your  homage  to  his  memory  end  here. 
Think  not  to  transfer  to  a  tablet  or  a  column,  the  tribute 
which  is  due  from  yourselves.  Just  honor  to  Washing- 
ton can  only  be  rendered  by  observing  his  precepts  and 
imitating  his  example.  Similitudine  decoremus.  He  has 
built  his  own  monument.  We,  and  those  who  come  after 
us  in  successive  generations,  are  its  appointed,  its  privi- 
leged guardians.  This  wide-spread  Republic  is  the  true 
monument  to  Washington.  Maintain  its  Independence. 
Uphold  its  Constitution.  Preserve  its  Union.  Defend 
its  Liberty.  Let  it  stand  before  the  world  in  all  its 
original  strength  and  beauty,  securing  peace,  order,  equa- 
lity, and  freedom  to  all  within  its  boundaries,  and  shed- 
ding light  and  hope  and  joy  upon  the  pathway  of  human 
liberty  throughout  the  world;  and  Washington  needs  no 
other  monument.  Other  structures  may  fitly  testify  our 
veneration  for  him ;  this,  this  alone,  can  adequately  illus- 
trate his  services  to  mankind. 

Nor  does  he  need  even  this.  The  Republic  may  pe- 
rish; the  wide  arch  of  our  ranged  Union  may  fall ;  star  by 
star  its  glories  may  expire;  stone  after  stone  its  columns 


36 

and  its  capitol  may  moulder  and  crumble;  all  other  names 
which  adorn  its  annals  may  be  forgotten ;  but  as  long  as 
human  hearts  shall  anywhere  pant,  or  human  tongues 
shall  anywhere  plead,  for  a  true,  rational,  constitutional 
liberty,  those  hearts  shall  enshrine  the  mem.ory,  and 
those  tongues  shall  prolong  the  fame,  of  George  Wash- 
ington! 


PEAYEE 

Delivered  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  McJilton  at  the  beginning  of  the 
ceremonies. 


Great  and  glorious  God!  Ruler  of  nations  and'of  men!  Thine 
eye  of  Avatchful  vigilance  surveys  tlie  vast  universe  of  Thy  creation, 
and  by  Thy  hand  of  power  is  meted  out  the  blessings  of  Thy  crea- 
tures. In  Thy  sight  the  globe  we  inhabit  is  but  an  atom,  and  the  cen- 
turies of  its  history  but  a  passing  moment.  Between  Thy  character 
and  ours,  as  between  the  habitation  of  Thy  Holiness  in  Heaven  and 
our  dwelling  place  in  the  dust  of  the  earth,  there  is  immense  disparity. 
Great  and  wonderful  is  Thy  condescension  in  stooping  to  behold  us, 
and  in  bending  down  from  Thy  lofty  throne  to  preserve,  protect,  and 
bless  us. 

In  the  movements  of  the  multitudes  of  our  race,  nations  have  arisen 
and  flourished  and  fallen  before  Thee.  Thou  hast  been  the  witness 
of  their  deeds  of  good  and  evil ;  the  good  in  which  they  were  pros- 
perous and  happy,  the  evil  in  which  they  were  unfortunate,  and  by 
which  they  were  overthrown.  Amid  the  revolutions  of  empires  and 
the  crumbling  of  kingdoms  upon  a  distant  hemisphere,  Thou  didst 
raise  up  a  people  and  plant  them  upon  these  shores,  far  away  from 
the  confusion  and  conflict,  where  they  might  be  happy  in  the  posses- 
sion of  peace,  and  in  the  enjoyment  of  the  abundance  the  land  was 
capable  of  affording.  Amid  the  continued  convulsions  of  that  distant 
clime,  while  its  revolutions  have  been  prolonged  and  its  kingdoms 
perpetuated  in  decay.  Thou  hast  preserved  Thy  people  and  permitted 
them  to  grow  and  prosper.  At  the  present  hour,  while  the  tongue  of 
revolution  is  telling  its  tales  of  trouble  and  sorrow,  we  are  happy  in 
our  possessions,  and  highly  prosperous.  Thou  hast  hedged  us  in  on 
every  side,  and  from  no  human  power  have  we  anything  to  fear. 

In  our  prosperity,  0  God,  we  recognize  Thy  hand  of  mercy,  and 
we  acknowledge  the  obligations  we  are  under  to  obey  Thy  command- 
ments, and  to  serve  Thee  with  perfect  hearts  and  with  willing  minds. 
The  arm  of  thy  mysterious  Providence  is  seen,  not  only  in  raising  us 


38 

up  from  nothing  to  be  a  mighty  nation,  but  also  in  the  events  of  our 
history,  which  thou  hast  overruled  for  the  advancement  of  our  interests 
and  for  the  increase  of  our  fame. 

As  thou  didst  with  Thine  ancient  people,  in  raising  up  prophets  and 
princes,  and  leaders  in  times  when  their  services  were  needed,  so  hast 
Thou  done  with  us  in  providing  us  with  men  for  the  emergencies  and 
trials  through  which,  as  a  nation,  we  have  had  to  pass.  It  was  Thy 
wisdom  that  directed  the  great  discoverer  of  modern  years  in  his 
search  after  the  shores  of  this  western  world,  and  it  was  by  Thine 
arm  of  power  that  his  adventurous  band  were  protected  during  their 
perilous  journey  over  the  ocean,  and  preserved  among  the  savages  of 
the  wilderness.  It  was  through  Thee  that  the  daring  efforts  of  those 
adventurers  were  successful  in  revealing  unknown  treasures  to  the 
world,  and  in  giving  an  almost  limitless  territory  to  the  industry  and 
enterprise  of  man. 

By  Thee  our  fathers  were  directed  to  the  land  of  beauty  thus  dis- 
closed. Encouraged  by  Thy  smiles  and  favor  they  colonized  upon 
these  shores.  They  spotted  them  over  with  flourishing  cities,  and 
converted  the  gloom  of  the  wilderness  into  the  habitation  of  happy 
multitudes.  In  peace  Thou  wast  their  Protector ;  in  war,  their  firm, 
unfailing  Friend.  When  the  yoke  of  servitude  was  presented  to  their 
necks.  Thou  didst  break  it  in  the  hands  of  the  oppressor.  When  the 
fetters  of  tyranny  were  forged  to  enslave  them,  by  Thee  they  were 
snapped  asunder  before  they  were  bound  upon  their  arms.  It  was 
under  the  notice  of  Thine  approving  eye  that  they  hurled  resistance 
to  the  tyrant's  law,  and  in  the  face  of  the  Revolution,  determined  to 
be  free.  In  a  day  of  peril  they  declared  their  independence,  and  pro- 
claimed their  Federal  Constitution  to  the  world.  That  Declaration 
and  that  Constitution  they  manfully  sustained  at  the  risk  of  fortune, 
life,  and  sacred  honor;  and  in  sustaining  them  they  presented  glori- 
ously before  the  powers  of  the  earth  the  anomaly  of  nations — a  free 
republic. 

Fiercely  and  swiftly  upon  the  decree  of  revolution  the  storm  of  war 
came  down.  When  clouds  and  darkness  hung  upon  the  shores  of 
Columbia,  amid  the  lightning's  flame  Thy  hand  was  seen — amid  the 
thunder's  peal  Thy  voice  was  heard.  It  was  Thou,  the  Almighty 
King  of  Heaven,  that  didst  lead  Thy  favored  people  of  the  earth  in 
safety  through  the  storm.  It  was  Thou  that  didst  conduct  them 
through  the  gloom  of  their  dark  and  bloody  trial  to  the  place  of  honor 
and  renown. 

In  that  time  of  trouble  Thou  didst  provide  men  for  the  performance 


39 

of  peculiar  offices  that  were  necessary  to  the  nation's  security,  and, 
anointed  with  Thy  blessing,  they  went  forth  for  the  accomplishment  of 
glorious  purposes.  Thy  gracious  presence  was  with  the  first  council 
of  the  Federal  States  when  they  announced  their  Declaration  of  Inde- 
pendence, and  when,  in  preparing  the  Constitution  for  the  government, 
they  presented  the  young  American  republic  to  the  view  of  mankind. 
That  young  republic  stood  up  mighty  in  Thy  strength.  It  was  like 
the  stripling  David  with  his  shepherd's  bag  and  sling,  and  stone  that 
he  had  taken  from  the  brook.  And  the  enemy  that  opposed  was  the 
Goliath  of  power,  inured  to  war,  and  bearing  the  sword,  the  shield, 
and  the  spear.  In  the  result  the  word  of  the  Highest  was  fulfilled. 
The  race  was  not  to  the  swift,  nor  the  battle  to  the  strong.  The  giant 
fell  before  the  stripling's  arm,  and  the  nations  were  made  to  know  that 
there  was  a  God  in  Israel. 

As  swept  the  tempest  on  its  raven  wing,  at  Thy  command  appeared 
the  greatest  and  most  .successful  of  human  warriors.  Called  by  his 
country  to  occupy  the  post  of  danger,  foremost  and  uppermost  stood 
the  fearless,  the  intrepid,  the  matchless  Washington — without  his 
purple  mightier  than  Ca3sar;  without  his  sceptre  greater  than  Alexan- 
der. It  was  in  Thy  name,  O  thou  Ruler  of  all  things,  that  the  first 
American  General  took  his  place  at  the  head  of  his  undisciplined  troops. 
In  the  name  of  God  he  fought  his  country's  battles,  and  in  the  name 
of  God  he  conquered.  In  preparation  for  the  great  work  he  had  in 
hand,  he  invoked  protection  from  on  High,  and  clothed  with  the  pano- 
ply of  Heaven,  he  was  invincible.  It  was  not  for  the  purple  of  power, 
not  for  the  glittering  diadem,  that  the  sword  of  Washington  was  un- 
sheathed. He  drew  the  steel  for  Liberty — for  the  protection  of  human 
right  from  the  tyranny  of  human  power.  He  fought  that  millions  might 
be  free. 

As  directed  by  Thee,  O  Lord  of  Hosts,  Columbus  made  the  dis- 
covery of  the  New  World,  so  under  the  sanction  of  Thy  Divine  will 
and  aid  our  illustrious  chief  procured  its  freedom.  We  view  him  as 
the  instrument  of  Thy  power  in  the  accomplishment  of  Thy  glorious 
designs  ;  and  in  the  honors  that  we  would  heap  upon  his  memory,  we 
would  but  honor  Thue  the  more.  Most  devoutly  do  we  thank  Thee 
for  the  gift  of  the  great,  the  good,  the  glorious  Washington  ;  and  when 
in  our  pride  we  would  tell  ot  his  renown,  it  is  our  pleasure  in  the  deed 
to  speak  Thy  praise. 

In  the  peace  of  death  the  patriot  sleeps,  but  deeply  in  the  hearts  of 
his  countrymen  his  name  and  character  and  deeds  are  enshrined.  With 
the  occupation  of  the  warrior  he  mingled  the  character  of  the  Christian  ; 


40 

and,  although  his  form  has  been  laid  in  the  dust,  we  hope  and  believe 
that  his  spirit  has  returned  to  the  God  that  gave  it,  and  is  happy  in  the 
place  of  the  departed.  In  memorial  of  his  character,  his  virtues,  and 
his  fame,  we  come  this  day  to  rear  a  costly  cenotaph — a  monument  that 
shall  proclaim  his  praise  to  ages  yet  to  come,  to  millions  yet  to  be.  We 
plant  in  earth  the  shaft  tliat  points  to  heaven.  We  rear  the  pile  that 
silently,  yet  eloquently,  tells  the  story  of  his  valor  to  the  world  below, 
while  it  lifts  its  lofty  head  on  high  as  if  it  would  direct  mankind  to  the 
haven  of  bliss — the  future  home  of  the  faithful  and  the  good.  Here, 
in  the  capital  of  his  country,  that  bears  his  name,  would  we  build  the 
monument  of  stone  in  honor  of  the  illustrious  dead,  and  do  thou,  O 
Lord,  look  down  from  heaven  and  bless  the  deed.  May  this  memorial 
of  marble,  in  this  metropolis  of  freedom,  be  an  instrument  of  Thine  in 
the  performance  of  Thy  wonderful  works  among  the  sons  of  men.  It 
tells  of  Christian  virtue  and  of  patriotic  devotion.  May  it  encourage 
American  youth  in  the  cultivation  and  practice  of  these  holy  principles. 
It  tells  of  pure  and  honorable  motive,  and  high  and  chivalrous  character. 
May  it  inspire  the  American  citizen  with  holy  ardor  to  emulate  the 
same  !  It  tells  of  an  ennobling  sense  of  duty  and  zeal  for  its  discharge, 
of  lofty  aims  and  purposes,  and  the  meed  of  renown  to  be  gained  in 
their  pursuit.  May  its  influence  be  effective  in  the  extension  of  like 
sentiment,  and  in  the  elevation  of  men  in  character  and  practice!  May 
it  animate  the  hearts  of  freemen  to  imitate  the  example  of  Washington 
the  good,  that  each  in  his  respective  sphere  may  be  like  Washington 
the  great. 

And  now,  O  Lord  of  all  power  and  majesty,  we  humbly  beseech 
thee  to  let  the  wing  of  Thy  protection  be  ever  outspread  over  the  land 
of  Washington  !  May  his  people  be  Thy  people  !  May  his  God  be 
their  God  !  Never  from  beneath  the  strong  arm  of  Thy  providence 
may  they  be  removed  ;  but,  like  their  honored  chief,  may  they  ac- 
knowledge Thee  in  peace  and  in  war,  and  ever  serve  thee  with  a  will- 
ing, faithful,  acceptable  service  !  Hear  our  prayer,  we  beseech  Thee, 
that  the  glory  of  this  nation  may  never  be  obscured  in  the  gloom  of 
guilt ;  that  its  beauty,  may  never  be  so  marred  by  the  foul  impress  of 
sin  that  the  light  of  its  religious  character  shall  be  dimmed.  Open  the 
eyes  of  the  people,  and  let  them  see  that  it  is  their  true  interest  to  study 
Thy  laws,  to  seek  Thy  favor,  and  to  worship  Thee  with  a  faithful 
worship.  Teach  them,  and  deeply  impress  upon  them  the  important 
political  truth  that  opinions  and  personal  feelings,  private  advantages, 
and  sectional  interests  are  all  as  nothing  when  compared  with  the  great 
interest  that  every  American  has  in  the  union  of  the  difl'erent  States  of 


41 

the  Republic.  Let  tliem  know  and  feel  that  as  Americans  they  are  a 
common  brotherhood,  a  single  family,  and  tliat  any  principle  or  propo- 
sition that  would  regard  the  interests  or  advantages  of  the  few  to  the 
detriment  of  the  many  is  not  American  in  its  character,  but  is  hostile  to 
American  institutions,  and  must  be  destructive  of  our  peace.  May  the 
watchword  of  the  nation  ever  be  "union,"  and  let  the  prayer  ascend 
from  every  American  heart  that  it  may  ever  be  preserved!  May  this 
pile,  sacred  in  memorial  to  the  Father  of  his  country,  be  the  central 
point  of  union  for  the  north  and  the  south,  the  east  and  the  west.  And 
when  the  people  of  every  section  of  the  land  shall  look  upon  it,  or  think 
of  it,  may  they  feel  that  they  are  Americans,  fellow  citizens  with  the 
venerated  Washington,  and  strike  hands  and  hearts  together  in  the 
pledge  that  everything  shall  fall  before  the  federal  union  of  the  States 
shall  be  dissolved  ! 

Direct  us,  O  Lord,  in  all  our  doings  with  Thy  most  gracious  favor, 
and  further  us  with  Tby  continued  help.  While  we  acknowledge 
Thee  to  be  the  Lord  our  God,  and  offer  Thee  the  services  of  our  lips, 
may  our  hearts  be  devoted  to  Thee,  that  we  may  bring  forth  the  fruits 
of  holiness  in  our  lives,  and  show  by  our  deeds  that  we  are  Thy 
faithful  servants!  Be  pleased  to  perpetuate  our  free  government,  and 
continue  its  blessings  to  mankind.  When  the  men  of  the  present  gene- 
ration shall  have  passed  away,  may  it  be  firmer  and  stronger  than  it 
was  when  committed  to  their  hands,  and  so  may  it  continue,  in  the 
succession  of  perpetual  generations,  the  blessing  of  the  American  peo- 
ple, the  envy  and  admiration  of  the  world.  Endue  us  with  wisdom 
and  innocency  of  life,  and,  when  we  shall  have  served  Thee  in  our 
generation,  may  we  bo  gathered  to  our  faibers  having  the  testimony  ol 
a  good  conscience  in  communion  with  'J'hy  church ;  in  the  confidence 
of  a  certain  faith  ;  in  the  comfort  of  a  reasonable,  religious,  and  holy 
hope;  in  favor  with  Thee  our  God.  and  in  perfect  charity  with  all  the 
world.  All  these  mercies  and  blessings  we  ask  in  the  name  and  me- 
diation of  Jesus  Christ,  our  most  blessed  Lord  and  Saviour.     Amen. 


ADDRESS 

OF 

BENJAMIN  B.   FRENCH,   Esq., 
(furnished  for  publication  at  the  request  of  the  society.) 


My  respected  Brethren  of  the  Masonic  Fraternity,  and  Fellow- 
Citizens  : 

Why  have  we  assembled  here  to-day?  What  means  this  immense 
crowd  around  us  ?  For  what,  beneath  a  July  sun,  on  this  anniversary 
of  the  birth-day  of  a  nation,  has  this  vast  multitude  come  up,  as  came 
Israel  of  old  to  the  dedication  of  the  Temple  of  the  Lord  ? 

We  are  here  to  perform  a  duty,  which,  were  it  possible,  twenty 
millions  of  people  would,  without  a  whisper  of  dissent,  assemble  here 
to-day  to  witness,  for  it  would  be  but  the  homage  due  to  the  memory 
of  one,  whose  name  shall  live  in  every  American  bosom  as  long  as  our 
great  and  glorious  Union  shall  exist. 

We  are  about  to  lay  the  foundation  stone  of  a  National  Monument, 
here,  in  the  city  that  bears  his  name,  at  this  seat  of  the  General  Govern- 
ment, which  his  exertions  established,  to  be  consecrated  to  the  memory 
of  George  Washington. 

"The  world — the  whole  civilized  world,"  says  a  most  worthy  and 
eloquent  writer,*  in  an  address  on  the  Masonic  character  of  Washington, 
*'  bows  with  admiration  to  that  name  as  the  exponentof  all  that  is  great 
in  patriotism  and  lovely  in  public  example.  The  furthest  nations  of  the 
earth  take  up  praise  when  that  name  is  syllabled  in  their  ear,  as  if  lii:^ 
virtue  were  tiieir  inheritance.  The  broadest  empires  of  Europe,  while 
they  shut  out  the  light  of  republican  trutiis,  acknowledge  the  lustre 
which  our  country's  father  has  tlirown  around  the  name  of  max;  and 
the  little  republic  of  San  Marino,  situated  above  the  clouds  that  play 
about  the  mid-height  of  Mount  Urbino — a  republic  too  poor  to  have 
jewels — too   small   to  boast  of  a  treasury — she  cherishes,  among  the 

*  Joseph  R.  CliandleTj  Esq, 


44 

valuables  of  her  public  possessions,  tlie  name  and  simple  portrait  of 
Washington." 

It  is  peculiarly  appropriate  that  the  solemn  and  interesting  ceremony, 
of  laying  this  corner-stone,  should  be  performed  by  us,  my  Masonic 
brethren,  for  he,  whose  name  is  to  make  it  a  great  national  landmark 
for  all  future  time,  was  a  Freemason.  The  soldier,  the  statesman,  the 
great  and  good  man,  upon  all  proper  occasions,  clothed  himself  in  the 
regalia  of  our  order,  took  his  place  among  the  craft,  and  avowed  to  the 
world  his  affection  and  regard  for  our  ancient  institution. 

We  have  all  about  us,  my  brethren,  the  evidences  that  Washington 
was  a  Mason,  and  of  his  devotion  to  the  craft.  The  Lodge  from 
Fredericksburg,  Virginia,  is  present,  and  its  members  bear  with  them 
the  ancient,  and  interesting  records  of  their  proceedings,  wherein  is 
recorded  the  entering,  passing,  and  raising  of  "  Mr.  George  Washing- 
ton," and  upon  which  may  be  seen  the  handwriting  of  the  Father  of 
his  Country.  This  apron  and  this  sash,  which  I  now  have  the  honor 
to  wear,  were  Washington's,  and  were  worn  by  him  while  President 
of  the  United  States,  at  the  laying  of  the  corner-stone  of  the  Capitol, 
at  which  ceremony  he  used  this  gavel,  which  I  shall  use  in  the  cei'e- 
mony  of  laying  this  corner-stone.  The  chair  upon  the  stand  opposite, 
which  has  been  occupied  by  the  gifted  orator  who  has  just  addressed 
you  in  words  of  eloquence,  which  shall  be  as  immortal  as  the  fame  of 
him  whom  he  has  so  nobly  eulogized,  is  the  property  of  Alexandria 
Washington  Lodge,  No.  22  ;  it  was  purchased  for  that  Lodge  by  Wash- 
ington, and  occupied  by  him  during  the  time  in  which  he  presided 
over  its  deliberations.  These  sacred  and  invaluable  relics  are  owned, 
the  gavel  by  Potomac  Lodge,  in  Georgetown,  the  other  article  by 
Alexandria  Washington  Lodge. 

We  come  here,  then,  to-day,  on  this  Sabbath  of  our  national  exist- 
ence, not  only  in  the  presence  of  this  immense  concourse  of  human 
beings,  but  in  the  presence  of  the  Almighty,  whose  blessing  we  have 
invoked,  to  commence,  in  behalf  of  a  great  nation,  the  performance  of 
a  duty  which  tiiat  nation  owes  to  the  memory  of  Washington. 

The  superstructure  which  is  to  rise  above  this  corner-stone,  will  bear 
such  emblems  as  shall  be  calculated  to  remind  tlie  millions  who  may 
look  upon  it  hereafter,  not  only  of  the  Father  of  his  Country,  but  of 
the  country  of  which  he  was  the  father. 

A  circular  colonnade  is  to  form  the  main  feature  of  the  structure, 
from  which,  pointing  to  heaven,  will  spring  a  plain  obelisk,  five  hun- 
dred feet  in  height.  Near  the  apex  of  that  obelisk  is  to  be  placed,  in 
alto  relievo,  a  single  star.     Like  that  star  of  old,  which  gatliered  the 


45 

wise  men  at  Bethlehem,  in  Jiiden,  may  this  be  tlie  guiding  point  to 
gather  together  the  wise  men  of  this  land,  should  danger  ever  threaten 
the  existence  of  our  beloved  and  cherished  Union! 

I  feel,  my  fellow-citizens,  while  standing  here  on  this  consecrated 
spot,  set  apart,  as  it  has  been,  by  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  for 
a  sacred  purpose,  as  if  I  were  almost  inspired  by  the  spirit  of  prophecy 
when  I  say,  that  this  Union  shall  be  perpetual ;  for  here,  in  this  vast 
crowd,  among  all  these  banners  that  are  floating  and  waving  about  me, 
nothing  is  seen  but  the  emblems  of  union.  The  glittering  arms,  that 
flash  back  the  sunlight,  are  for  protection  and  defence.  Men  of  all 
parties,  and  all  Christian  creeds,  here  stand  side  by  side,  shoulder  to 
shoulder,  a  single  brotherhood,  ready  to  defend  this  Union  in  one 
united  mass,  should  ever  that  defence  be  necessary.  Who,  then,  can 
doubt  its  perpetual  integrity?  Who  shall  dare  to  predict  that  our  con- 
stitution, fraught  with  so  many  blessings  to  mankind,  will  ever  be 
broken  in  fragments,  and  scattered  abroad  ?  If  there  be  a  single  speck 
upon  our  political  horizon — if  the  faintest  shadow  of  portending  danger 
is  to  be  seen,  there  are  in  the  North,  in  the  South,  in  the  East,  and  in 
the  West,  patriots,  statesmen,  great,  and  gifted,  and  good  men,  the  de- 
scendants of  the  fathers  of  this  Republic,  who  will  stand  by,  and  defend, 
and  preserve,  this  citadel  of  liberty  whole,  entire,  perfect,  as  it  now  is, 
to  be  the  glory  of  after  ages,  as  it  is  of  this. 

First,  in  the  name  of  the  Most  High,  and  next,  in  that  great  human 
name,  to  manifest  respect  to  which  we  have  met  here  to-day — in  the 
name  of  George  Washington — let  us,  all  here  assembled,  as  the  voice 
of  one  man,  pledge  ourselves  anew  to  maintain  the  constitution,  which 
Washington  so  powerfully  aided  in  establishing;  and  let  us  also  implore 
upon  our  common  country,  perpetuity,  happiness,  and  peace. 

It  is  very  common,  upon  the  erection  of  monuments  to  the  dead,  to 
say  that  they  are  erected  to  commemorate  the  persons  whose  name 
they  bear;  and,  in  most  instances,  this  is  said  with  truth.  But  the 
erection  of  a  marble  monument,  for  no  other  purpose  than  to  perpetuate 
the  memory  of  Washington,  would  be  a  vain  and  useless  task.  He  has 
a  monument  that  can  never  die,  wliere  his  name  shall  never  be  for- 
gotten ;  it  icus  indelibly  engraved  upon  the  hearts  of  five  millions  of 
people;  now  it  is  upon  the  hearts  of  twenty  millions;  hereafter  it  shall 
be  upon  the  hearts  of  hundreds  of  millions, 

fVe  shall  all  be  gathered  to  our  fathers,  as  the  generations  which 
have  preceded  us  have  been  gathered  to  theirs.  They  taught  us  to 
pronounce,  and  venerate  the  name  of  the  Father  of  his  Country.  It 
was  a  holy  lesson — and  I  say  it  with  the  utmost  reverence,  and  with 


46 

a  profound  conviction  of  the  immensity  which  should  ever  separate  the 
name  of  Him,  whom  the  heaven  of  heavens  cannot  contain,  from  the 
purest  and  best  of  mortals — but  still  I  say,  it  was  a  holy  lesson,  and 
second  only  to  that  one,  so  much  more  holy,  which  teaches  us  to  say, 
"Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven."  We  will  teach  it  to  our  children, 
and  they  shall  teach  it  to  theirs  ;  and  upon  that  glorious  Monument  of 
human  hearts,  it  shall  be  borne  onward  until  Time  shall  be  no  more. 
We  erect  not,  then,  this  Monument  of  marble  to  enable  us,  or  those 
who  may  succeed  us,  to  remember  Washington,  but  we  erect  it  as  a 
mark  of  our  affection,  our  veneration  for  the  memory  of  the  great  and 
good  man  whose  name  it  bears;  and  it  shall  hereafter  be  viewed, by  an 
admiring  world,  as  the  evidence  to  all  future  time  that  this  republic  is 
not  ungrateful.  We  commence  here,  a  great,  a  patriotic,  a  glorious 
work;  and  when  it  shall  have  been  completed,  who  that  shall  visit  this 
city,  but  will  come  to  this  spot,  and  while  contemplating  the  Monument 
of  a  nation's  affection,  but  will  feel  his  bosom  warm,  and  his  heart  ex- 
pand with  the  holy  fire  of  patriotism?  His  thoughts  will  not  recur  to 
him  alone  whose  name  it  shall  bear,  but  also  to  that  galaxy  of  great 
names,  who  not  only  pledged  everything,  but  risked  everything,  that 
we  might  stand  here,  this  day,  in  the  proud  position  which  we  occupy 
before  the  world. 

Is  there,  then,  a  single  individual  among  the  millions  who  hail  this 
as  their  common  country,  who,  possessing  the  ability,  will  refuse  the 
proffered  honor  of  being  permitted  to  contribute  his  mite  to  so  noble, 
so  patriotic  an  enterprise?     I  trust  not  one  ! 

The  fraternity  of  Freemasons  can  recur,  with  proud  satisfaction,  to 
our  revolutionary  struggle,  when  they  remember  that  every  general 
officer  of  the  American  armies,  save  one,  was  a  Freemason — at  least 
the  pen  of  history  has  so  made  up  the  record,  and  he,  whose  eyes 
never  beheld 

"That  hieroglyphic  bright 
Which  none  but  craftsmen  ever  saw,"' 

died  a  traitor  to  his  country  !* 

*  This  portion  of  the  address  was  extemporaneous,  and  the  language  used  was 
such  as  the  speaker's  mind  suggested  at  the  instant.  He  ought,  perhaps,  to  have 
said,  traditionm-y  rumor,  instead  of '-the  pen  of  history."  Since  the  address  was 
delivered,  he  has  seen  a  newspaper  statement  that  Gen.  Arnold  was  a  Freemason. 
He  is  sure  that  he  Ijas  often  seen  the  contrary  stated.  One  rumor  may  offset  the 
other,  until  proof  is  adduced,  when  no  one  will  more  cheerfully  bow  to  the  evidence 
than  himself. — B.  B.  F. 


47 

This  grand  and  imposing  assemblage  is,  at  this  moment,  graced  and 
honored  with  the  presence  of  the  Royal  Arch  apron,  owned,  and  worn 
by  General  Joseph  Warren,  who  fell  at  tlie  battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  the 
first  heroic  martyr  of  high  rank,  who  poured  out  his  blood  in  the  cause 
of  American  liberty- 
General  Warren  was  Grand  Master  of  Freemasons  in  America. 
The  apron,  to  which  I  have  alluded,  is  now  in  the  possession  of  a  wor- 
thy brother  of  the  craft,*  who  has  journeyed  from  Boston  to  this  city  to 
join  in  these  ceremonies,  and  has  brought  with  him  that  sacred  relic  of 
the  past,  that  the  name  of  Warren,  immortalized  by  his  patriotism,  his 
valor,  and  his  early  but  glorious  death,  might  be  associated  here,  in  the 
never-to-be-forgotten  ceremonies  of  this  day,  with  the  name  of  Wash- 
ington!  Wreathe  them  together  in  your  memories,  my  brethren,  in 
an  unfading  chaplet,  and  wear  them  in  your  hearts  ! 

Our  most  worthy  brother,  from  whose  eloquent  address  on  the  Ma- 
sonic character  of  Washington,  I  have  before  quoted,  after  alluding  to 
his  retirement  and  death,  pours  out,  as  it  were,  from  his  soul,  the  fol- 
lowing tribute  to  his  memory,  which  will  not  be  out  of  place  here: 

"He  has  gone  indeed,  but  the  brilliant  track  of  his  pathway  shall 
know  no  darkness.  The  zodiac  through  which  he  took  his  course 
shall  be  bright  in  the  lustre  of  his  greatness  ;  and  star  after  star  may- 
go  out  in  every  constellation  of  the  political  heavens,  but  where  he 
went  the  brightness  shall  be  eternal ;  and  the  upturned  faces  of  admir- 
ing mortals  shall  catch  a  reflection  of  that  lustre  from  the  very  power 
of  appreciating  its  purity. 

No  more  Washingtons  shall  come  in  our  time.  Mount  Vernon  shall 
not  give  back  its  sacred  deposit  to  bless  a  nation,  and  that  human  form 
has  not  yet  been  shaped  to  receive  the  ethereal  fire  to  make  it  another 
Washington.  But  his  virtues  are  stamped  on  the  heart  of  mankind. 
He  who  is  great  in  the  battle  fieUl  looks  upward  to  the  generalship  of 
Washington.  He  who  grows  wise  in  counsel  feels  that  he  is  imitating 
a  Washington.  He  who  can  resign  power  against  the  wishes  of  a  peo- 
ple, has  in  his  eye  the  bright  example  of  Washington.  The  husbandman, 
toiling  in  his  field,  is  proud  in  the  thought  that  Wasliington  too  was  a 
farmer.  The  mason,  in  the  midst  of  his  labors,  remembers  with  pride 
that  Washington  was  a  mason  ;  and  the  man,  struck  down  by  misfor- 
tune, solitary  and  unaided,  who  has  no  special  claim  of  association 
with  that  great  one,  warms  his  heart,  and  strengthens  his  resolution  in 
the  recollection  that  Washington,  too,  was  a  man." 

True  virtue  and  true  valor  never  go  unrewarded  by  a  virtuous  and 
patriotic  people. 

*  Capt.  Josiah  Stnrgiss,  U.  S.  Revenue  Marino. 


48 

This  republic  is  proud  of  her  jewels.  She  forgets  not  her  statesmen 
and  her  heroes,  but  delights  to  honor  them  while  living,  and  to  com- 
memorate them  when  dead. 

Were  the  scroll,  which  contains  the  record  of  all  the  great  and  good 
men  of  the  Republic,  now  to  be  unrolled  before  us,  at  its  head,  sur- 
rounded by  a  halo  of  undying  glory,  would  stand,  in  living  light,  pre- 
eminent above  all,  the  name  of  George  Washington. 

"  He  burst  the  fetters  of  the  land, 
He  taught  us  to  be  free, 
He  raised  the  dignity  of  man, 
And  bade  a  Nation  be.' 


MASONIC   CEREMONIES    IN    LAYING    THE 
CORNER-STONE. 

The  Grand  Master,  having  concluded  his  address,  descended  to  the 
corner-stone,  and,  having  applied  the  square,  level,  and  plumb  to  the 
northeast  corner  thereof,  pronounced  it  well  squared,  level,  and  plumb; 
well  laid,  true,  and  trusty.  Then,  having  deposited  in  the  cavity  the 
several  articles  furnished,  he  said  : 

I  shall  now  proceed  to  place  upon  this  stone  the  ancient  masonic 
elements  of  consecration,  the  corn,  wine,  and  oil. 

This  may  appear  to  many  an  unmeaning  ceremony  ;  if  such  be  the 
case,  I  can  only  say  to  those,  who  thus  view  it,  that  to  them  hundreds 
of  other  ceremonies  and  emblems  must  appear  equally  so.  The  water 
which  is  sprinkled  upon  the  face  of  the  infant;  the  solemn  rite  by 
which  age  comes  visibly  before  the  world  and  announces  its  faith  in  the 
redeeming  power  of  a  Saviour  ;  the  flag  which  floats  at  the  head  of  the 
military  column  ;  the  plume  that  dances  amid  the  charge  of  warring 
hosts ;  the  christening  of  the  ship  as  she  glides  for  the  first  time  into 
her  destined  element,  without  which  no  sailor  could  be  found  to  trust 
himself  upon  her  deck — these  are  all  ceremonies  and  cmhleins,  but 
they  are  such  as  are  solemnly  recognized  by  the  world.  "  The  taber- 
nacle in  the  wilderness  and  all  its  holy  vessels  were,  by  God's  express 
command,  anointed  with  oil;  Aaron  and  his  two  sons  were  set  apart 


49 

for  the  priesthood  with  the  same  ceremony,  and  the  prophets  and 
kings  of  Israel  were  consecrated  to  their  offices  by  the  same  rite." 

To  the  reflecting  mind  all  these  ceremonies  have  a  deep  and  abiding 
meaning. 

In  placing  upon  this  stone  this  corx,  I  invoke  the  blessing  of  plenty 
to  the  nation  whose  monument  this  is  to  be.  May  bread,  that  great 
staff"  of  our  physical  existence,  never  be  wanting  to  feed  the  hungry  ! 

In  pouring  upon  it  the  wine,  permit  me  to  express  a  hope  that  the 
wine  of  joy  may  ever  be  found  in  our  broad  land,  and  that  happiness 
may  be  a  dweller  in  every  hamlet,  from  the  Rio  Bravo  to  the  Bay  of 
Fundy,  from  the  Pacific  to  the  Atlantic  oceans. 

In  pouring  upon  it  the  oil,  I  invoke  for  all  who  may  be  in  affliction 
the  healing  oil  of  consolation. 

This  corner-stone  is  now  ready  to  receive  the  superstructure  whicli 
is  to  rise  above  it.  May  no  accident  attend  its  erection,  and  may  the 
cap-stone,  that  announces  its  completion,  belaid  under  circumstances  as 
happy  and  as  favorable  as  this  foundation  stone  has  now  been  placed  ! 

The  Grand  Master  then  presented  to  the  architect,  Robert  Mills, 
(who  is  a  freemason,)  the  working  tools  of  his  profession,  remarking, 
as  he  did  it : 

I  now  present  to  you,  my  brother,  the  square,  level,  and  plumb, 
which  are  the  working  tools  you  are  to  use  in  the  erection  of  this 
monument.  You,  as  a  freemason,  know  to  what  they  morally  allude : 
the  plumb  admonishes  us  to  walk  uprightly  in  our  several  stations  be- 
fore God  and  man,  squaring  our  actions  by  the  square  of  virtue,  and 
remembering  that  we  are  travelling  upon  the  level  of  time  to  that  "  un- 
discovered country  from  whose  bourne  no  traveller  returns."  Never 
forgetting  this  sublime  moral  lesson,  you  are  here  to  use  them  practi- 
cally in  your  profession.  Look  well  to  the  erection  of  this  national 
monument;  see  that  every  stone  is  well  squared,  and  that  it  is  placed 
in  its  position  both  level  and  plumb,  that  the  noble  offering  of  a  nation, 
to  commemorate  greatness,  patriotism,  and  virtue,  may  stand  until  the 
end  of  time. 

The  masonic  grand  honors  were  then  given,  and  the  benediction  was 
pronounced. 


APPENDIX. 


NO.  I. 
INVITATIONS  AND  ANSWERS. 

Washingtos^  Natioxal  IMojfUMENT  Office,  June  2lst,  1S4S. 
Mrs.  Jamf,s  Madisox: 

The  Committee  of  Arrangements  most  respectfully  invite  you  to  attend  the  cere- 
mony of  laying  the  corner-stone  of  the  Washington  National  JNIonument,  on  the 
4tli  day  of  July  next. 

In  accepting  the  presidency  of  the  Society,  IMr.  Madison  said,  "  A  monnmeni 
worthy  the  memory  of  Washington,  reared  by  the  means  proposed,  will  commemo- 
rate at  the  same  time  a  virtue,  a  patriotism,  and  a  gratitude  truly  national,  with 
which  the  friends  of  liberty  everywhere  will  sympathize,  and  of  which  our  country 
may  always  be  proud." 

While  your  illustrious  husband  did  not  survive  to  see  the  corner-stone  of  the 
Monument  laid,  the  committee,  in  common  with  your  fellow-citizens,  rejoice  that 
you  are  in  the  midst  of  us,  and  that  on  them  devolves  the  pleasing  duty  of  assuring 
you  that  your  presence  on  the  occasion  will  greatly  gratify  the  immense  audience 
that  will  be  assembled. 

Most  respectfully  yours, 

ARCH.  HENDERSON,  Chairman  of  Commitlce. 


To  the  Committee  of  Arrangements  of  the  IVashiiigton  National  Monument. 

Gentlemen: 

In  accepting,  with  great  sensibility,  your  flattering  invitation  to  be  present  with 
you  at  the  imposing  scene  of  laying  the  corner-stone  of  the  Washington  National 
Monument,  I  feel  the  highest  gratification ;  and  believing  that  I  can  in  no  manner 
so  well  express  my  heartfelt  concurrence  in  my  husband's  opinion,  I  will  repeat 
as  you  have  done,  his  venerated  words: — "A  monument  worthy  the  memory  ol 
Washington,  reared  by  the  means  proposed,  will  commemorate  at  the  same  time  a 
virtue,  a  patriotism,  and  a  gratitude  truly  national,  with  which  the  friends  of  liberty 
everywhere  will  sympathize,  and  of  which  our  country  may  always  be  proud.'' 

Be  pleased  to  accept,  Gentlemen,  the  assurances  of  my  great  respect. 

D.  P.  MADISON. 

Washington,  June  22,  1S4S. 


52 

Washingtost  National  Monument  Office,  June  20,  1848. 
Mns.  Alexandeh  Hamilton: 

The  Committee  of  Arrangements  most  respectfully  invite  you  to  attend  the  cere" 
mony  of  laying  the  corner-stone  of  the  Washington  National  Monument  on  the  4th 
of  July  next. 

It  has  been  your  destiny  to  have  descended  from  Gen.  Schuyler,  distinguished 
for  his  valuable  and  arduous  services  during  the  American  Revolution ;  and  fo  have 
been  connected  in  the  dearest  relation  in  life  M^ith  Gen,  Alexander  Hamilton,  who 
ranks  with  the  most  celebrated  of  his  own,  or  any  other  age;  both  were  the 
Jriends,  and  possessed,  in  an  eminent  degree,  the  confidence  of  Washington. 

In  his  family  you  were  at  all  times  a  cherished  and  beloved  guest.  Millions  in 
the  present  day  would  rejoice  to  have  a  glimpse  of  that  face  with  which  you  were 
familiar. 

Those  who  may  witness  the  ceremony  of  laying  the  corner-stone  of  the  Monu- 
ment to  be  reared  to  perpetuate  the  memory  of  a  name  becoming  more  and  more 
dear  to  the  friends  of  civil  liberty  as  the  rights  of  men  are  better  known  and 
more  generally  respected,  will  be  gratified  to  have  an  opportunity  to  pay  their 
respects  to  you,  who  was  so  connected  with  so  many  of  the  important  incidents  of 
the  Revolution,  and  endeared  to  the  present  generation  by  so  many  associations  of 
the  past,  by  the  benevolence  of  your  heart,  and  the  purity  of  your  life. 
]Most  respectfully  yours, 

ARCH.  HENDERSON,  Chairman  of  Committee. 


To  Gen.  ^i.  Henderson,  Chairman  of  Committee  of  Arrangements. 

Washingtoit  City,  June  22,  1848. 
Sir: 

I  had  the  honor  to  receive  the  invitation  of  the  Washington  Monument  Associa- 
tion, to  attend  the  ceremony  of  laying  the  corner-stone  of  a  National  Monument 
(in  the  4th  of  July  next,  at  the  moment  I  was  about  to  leave  this  city,  where  I 
have  been  for  a  very  long  time  engaged  in  an  application  to  Congress;  which,  in 
the  probable  course  of  human  events,  will  be  the  last,  as  it  is  the  most  interesting 
business  of  my  protracted  life. 

The  ceremony  in  which  I  am  invited  to  participate  calls  back  recollections  so 
deeply  interesting  to  me,  from  my  early  and  intimate  association  with  the  illustrious 
man  to  whom  this  tribute  of  a  nation's  gratitude  is  so  justly  due,  that  I  cannot 
deny  myself  the  great  gratification  of  witnessing  it. 

Have  the  goodness  to  make   my  respects  to  the  committee,  and  to  receive  my 
thanks  for  the  flattering  terms  in  which  you  have  communicated  their  invitation. 
With  great  respect  yours, 

ELIZABETH  HAMILTON. 


Washington  National  Monument  Office,  June  2lst,  1848. 
ilRS.  John  Quinct  Adams: 

The  Committee  of  Arrangements  most  respectfully  invite  you  to  attend  the  cere- 


53 

mony  of  laying  the  cornei>stone  of  the  Washington  National  Monument,  on  the  4th 
day  of  July  next. 

It  is  within  your  knowledge  that  the  Board  of  Managers  first  invited  your  distin- 
guished husband  to  deliver  an  address  on  the  ceremony  of  laying  the  corner-stone 
of  the  Monument.  He  had  spoken  of  the  lives  and  characters  of  Monroe,  Lafayette, 
and  Madison,  in  compliance  with  the  wishes  of  his  fellow-citizens,  and  the  people 
without  distinction  of  party,  without  sectional  or  geographical  divisions,  desired  he 
should  deliver  the  address  on  the  occasion  mentioned.  The  subject  was  held  under 
consideration  by  hira  for  a  month,  and  when  he  finally  declined,  it  was  solely  from 
a  prophetic  conviction  that  he  might  not  have  the  mental  or  physical  ability  to  per- 
form the  service  on  the  22d  of  February,  the  day  then  designated. 

The  day,  the  association  hoped,  would  have  been  ushered  in  by  the  usual  demon- 
strations of  rejoicing,  was  a  day  of  solemn  sadness  and  gloom.  The  nation  has 
sympathized  with  you  and  with  your  family,  in  mourning  the  loss  it  has  suffered. 
Bowing  with  submission  to  the  decree  of  an  overruling  Providence,  the  vast  assem- 
blage will  be  gratified  by  your  presence,  if  you  can  make  it  convenient  and  agree- 
able to  leave  the  retirement  of  Quincy,  for  a  few  days  on  this  occasion. 
Most  respectfully  yours, 

ARCH.  HENDERSON,  Chairman  of  Committee. 


QuixcT,  June2Gth,  1S4S. 

Gex.  AncH.  Hexdehsox,  Chairman  of  Committee  of  Arrangements  of  Washirigtou 
National  Monument. 

I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  reception  of  the  polite  invitation  of  the 
Committee  of  Arrangements  of  the  Washington  National  Monument,  to  witness  the 
laying  of  the  corner-stone  of  the  monument  consecrated  to  the  memory  of  the  Father 
of  his  country,  immortalized  by  the  crowning  fame  of  military  achievement,  blendeil 
with  the  wisdom  of  the  statesman ;  and  possessed  of  all  the  solid  virtues  of  a  pure 
and  hone'st  man. 

In  the  choice  of  the  orator  whom  you  had  selected  for  this  great  occasion,  allow 
me  to  express  my  grief  for  a  loss  which  we  all  deplore.  Through  a  long  and  meri- 
torious life,  he  had  loved  and  venerated  the  General,  and  fondly  gloried  in  the  living 
worth  of  the  man  through  his  arduous  trials,  and  splendid  career;  and  who  having 
the  felicity  of  his  personal  acquaintance,  had  enjoyed  liis  favor  and  protection,  which 
led  to  all  the  honors,  through  his  discernment  of  youthful  talent,  which  the  iiatiou 
have  so  justly  distinguished  and  appreciated — and  wlio  would,  had  it  pleased  God 
to  spare  him  yet  a  little  longer,  have  done  ample  justice  to  a  theme  in  which  both 
heart  and  mind  would  have  reveled  with  delight. 

The  infirmities  of  health,  and  the  great  debility  under  which  I  labor,  must  plead 
my  excuse  for  declining  the  flattering  invitation  which  you  have  done  me  the  honor 
to  send  to  me,  not  being  able  to  undertake  so  long  a  journey  in  the  heat  of  summer. 
Permit  me,  dear  General,  to  assure  you,  and  the  Committee  of  Arrangements,  of  the 
high  sense  of  esteem  and  consideration  of  Your  obedient  servant, 

LOUISA  CATHERINE  ADAMS. 


54 

Answer  of  Chief  Justice  Taney. 

Baltimore,  July  \st,  1848. 
Gestlemex: 

I  regret  very  much  that  I  cannot  avail  myself  of  your  kind  invitation  to  attend 
the  ceremony  of  laying  the  corner  stone  of  the  Washington  Monument,  on  the  4th 
inst.;  it  is  an  event  vi^hich,  undoubtedly,  every  American  citizen  vi'ould  desire  to 
witness.  But  I  fear  that  the  fatigue  and  exposure  necessarily  incident  to  the  occa- 
sion, w^ould  be  more  than  I  could  safely  venture  upon  at  this  season,  in  my  state  of 
health. 

Returning  you  my  thanks  for  the  invitation  with  which  you  have  honored  me, 
I  am,  with  great  respect. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

R.  B.  TANEY. 
To  W.  Lexox,  Jos.  H.  Bhadlet,  and 
M.  F.  Maurt,  Esquires, 
Washington. 


Ansiver  of  Mr.  Van  Bnren. 

Lindenwald,  June  28th,  1848. 
Dear  Sir: 

I  beg  you  to  make  the  committee  my  very  respectful  acknowledgments  for  the 
honor  they  have  conferred  upon  me,  in  requesting  my  presence  at  the  ceremony  of 
laying  the  corner-stone  of  the  Washington  National  ]\Ionument. 

Nothing  could  afford  me  more  satisfaction  than  to  be  in  a  situation  to  avail  myself 
of  their  politeness,  but  as  I  have  to  regret  that  such  is  not  the  case,  I  can  only  send 
them  my  best  wishes  for  the  success  of  the  great  object  in  which  they  are  engaged. 
Very  respectfully  your  obedient  servant, 

M.  VAN  BUREN. 
Gex.  Arch.  Hendersox,  Chairman. 


Answer  of  Gen.  Cass. 

Detroit,  JrtJic  2~th,  1848, 
Gentlemejt  : 

I  have  received,  and  thank  you  for  the  invitation  to  attend  the  laying  of  the  cor- 
ner-stone of  the  Washington  Monument,  on  the  4th  of  July  next.  Circumstances 
will  prevent  me  from  being  present  upon  that  interesting  occasion,  but,  though  absent, 
I  shall  fully  participate  in  all  the  feelings  it  is  so  well  calculated  to  inspire.  The 
virtues  and  services  of  Washington  are  inscribed  upon  the  fairest  pages  of  American 
history,  and  cherished  in  the  hearts  of  the  American  people.  We  need  no  monu- 
ment to  preserve  their  recollection.  It  is  not  fur  him,  but  for  us,  and  for  those  who 
are  to  come  after  us,  that  such  a  memorial  is  demanded  by  public  sentiment,  and 
will  be  consecrated  by  public  gratitude.  He  has  passed  beyond  the  reach  of  even 
a  nation's  praise ;  but  he  lives  for  us  in  the  fruit  of  his  labors,  and  in  the  bright  ex- 
ample which  he  offers  now  and  hereafter,  of  a  life  devoted  to  his  country,  and  of  a 
death  crowned  by  the  hopes  of  a  Christian.     Monuments  to  departed  worth  are  hal- 


55 

lowed  by  the  usage  of  mankind,  and  by  the  feelings  of  human  nature.  They  con- 
nect the  living  with  the  dead,  and  stimulate  men  to  noble  deeds,  by  the  contempla- 
tion of  the  noble  deeds  of  those  who  have  gone  before  them,  and  the  fame  which 
these  bring  with  them.  The  memory  of  Washington  will  survive  the  structure  you 
are  about  to  erect,  however  broad  and  deep  may  be  its  foundation,  and  however 
firm  its  construction.  But  while  it  stands,  it  will  tell  the  story  of  his  days  and  deeds, 
and  will  invite  liis  countrymen  to  imitate  his  example  of  patriotism,  in  whatever 
public  sphere  they  may  be  called  upon  to  act, 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  gentlemen,  respectfully, 
Your  obedient  servant, 

LEWIS  CASS. 
Ges.  Arch.  Henderson,] 
M.  F.  Mavrt,  I 

W.  Lenox,  ^Esquires:,  Committee^  &c.  ^c,  Wasfiington. 

Jos.  H.  Bkadley,      I 
E.  Whittles Er,      j 


Answer  of  Mr.  Fillmore. 

Alb  AST,  June  27/ft,  IS  18. 
Gentlemen: 

I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter,  inclosing  a  resolution 
of  the  Committee  of  Arrangements  inviting  me  to  be  present  at  the  laying  of  the 
cornerstone  of  the  Washington  Monument  on  the  4th  day  of  July  next,  and  regret 
that  my  official  engagements  are  such  as  to  deprive  me  of  that  pleasure. 

Hoping  and  trusting  that  this  monument,  too  long  delayed,  may  be  worthy  of  the 
great  man  whose  virtues  it  is  intended  to  commemorate,  and  that  it  may  stand  an 
enduring  memorial  of  a  nation's  gratitude,  to  the  purest  of  patriots,  and  noblest  of 
benefactors,  until  time  shall  be  no  longer,  I  have  die  honor  to  remain 

Your  friend  and  fellow  citizen. 

MILLAKI)  FILL.MUUK. 
A.  Henherson.  Esq.-  and  others,  Comrnillcc. 

[Invitations  were  transmitted  to  Gen.  Zachart  Taylor, and  Gen.  W. 0.  Hitler, 

to  which,  in  consequence  probably  of  the  remoteness  of  their  positions)  no  answer; 
have  been  received] 


NO.  II.  j 

LIST  OF  ARTICLES 

Deposited  in  the  Corner- Stone  of  the  Washington  National  Monu-      \ 
ment  on  the  4//i  day  of  July,  1848. 

Historical  sketch  of  the  Washington  National  Monument  Society,  since  its  origin, 
in  MS. 

Copy  of  the  grant  for  the  site  of  the  IVIonument  under  the  joint  resolution  of  Con- 
gress. 

Constitutions  of  the  Washington  National  Monument  Society,  addresses,  circulars, 
commissions,  instructions,  form  of  bond,  from  1835  to  1848. 

Large  design  of  tlie  Washington  National  Monument,  with  the  fac  simile  of  the 
names  of  the  Presidents  of  the  United  States  and  others.     Lithographed. 

Large  design  of  the  Washington  National  Monument.     Lithographed. 

Portrait  of  Washington,  from  Stuart's  painting,  Faneuil  Hall. 

Small  design  of  Monument  and  likeness  of  Washington,  with  blank  certificates  for 
contributors. 

Constitution  of  the  United  States  and  Declaration  of  Independence;  presented  by 
Mr.  Hickey. 

American  Constitutions;  by  W.  Patton. 

Plate  engraved  with  the  names  of  the  officers  and  members  of  the  Board  of  Mana- 
gers. 

Watterston's  New  Guide  to  Washington;  by  G.  Watterston. 

]Map  of  the  city  of  Washington ;  by  Joseph  Ratcliff. 

Laws  of  the  Corporation  of  Washington;  by  A.  Rothwell. 

Statistics  by  John  Sessford  of  the  number  of  dwellings,  value  of  improvements, 
assessments  of  the  real  and  personal  tax,  &c.,  in  the  city  of  Washington,  from 
1824  to  1848,  print  and  manuscript;  by  John  Sessford. 

J.  B.  Varnum,  Jr.,  on  the  Seat  of  Government. 

The  Statesman's  Manual,  containing  Presidents'  Messages  from  Washington  to  Polk, 
from  1789  to  1846,  vols.  1  and  2. 

The  Blue  Book  for  1847;  Congressional  Directory;  by  J.  &  G.  S.  Gideon. 

Message  of  the  President  of  the  United  States  and  accompanying  documents,  1S47. 

IMorse's  North  American  Atlas. 

Appleton's  Railroad  and  Steamboat  Companion. 

True  Republican;  the  likenesses  of  all  the  Presidents  to  1S4G,  and  inaugural  ad- 
dresses; by  G.  Templeman. 

Copies  of  the  Union  JNIagazine,  National  Magazine,  Godey's  Lady's  Book,  Graham's 
Magazine,  and  Columbian  Magazine,  for  July,  1848;  by  Brooke  &  Shillington. 

African  Repository  and  Colonial  Journal,  1848. 

Thirty-first  Annual  Report  of  the  American  Colonization  Society. 

Coast  Survey  Document:  Army  Register  for  1848. 


57 

Navy  Register,  1848;  by  C.  Alexander. 

Military  Laws  of  the  United  States,  184G;  by  G.  Templeman. 

Description  of  the  Magnetic  Telegraph ;  by  A.  Vail. 

Daguerreotype  likenesses  of  General  and  Mrs.  Mary  Washington,  with  a  description 

of  the  Daguerreotype  process;  by  John  S.  Grubb,  Alexandria,  Va. 
Silver  Medal  representing  General  Washington  and  the   National  Monument;  by 

Jacob  Seegar. 
Report  of  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Library,  May  4,  1S4S,  and  an  engraving;  by 

M.  Vattemare. 
Constitution  of  the  Smithsonian  Association,  on  the  Island,  instituted  November  9, 

1847. 
Smithsonian  Institution — Report  of  the  Commissioners  on  its  organization;  Reports 

from  the  Board  of  Regents ;  by  W.  W.  Seaton. 
The  Washington  Monument — shall  it  be  built  ?  by  J.  S.  Lyon. 
Harper's  Illustrated  Catalogue;  by  S.  Colman. 
Guide  to  the  Capitol;  by  R.  Mills. 
Abstract  Log  for  the  use  of  American  Navigators;   by  Lieutenant  M.  F.  Maury, 

U.  S.  Navy. 
American  State  Papers,  1832;  National  Intelligencer  for  IS  10,  (bound:)  by  Gales  & 

Seaton. 
American  Archives,  a  Documentary  History  of  the  American  Colonies  to  the  present 

time,  fourth  series,  vol.  5;  by  Peter  Force. 
An  American  dollar;  by  Miss  Sarah  Smith,  Stafibrd,  N.J. 
Holy  Bible,  presented  by  the  Bible  Society,  instituted  1816. 
Report  of  Professor  Baclie,  Superintendent  of  the  Coast  Survey;   by  Coast  Survey 

Office. 
Annual  Report  of  the  Comptroller  of  the  State  of  New  York,  January  5, 1848;  Tolls, 

Trade,  and  Tonnage  of  the  New  York  Canals,  1847;  State  of  New  York — first 

report  of  the  Commissioner,  Practice  and  Pleadings;  by  Hon.  Washington  Hunt. 
Report  of  the  Commissioner  of  Patents,  1847;  by  Edmund  Burke. 
Fac  simile  of  Washington's  Accounts;  by  Michael  Nourso. 
United  States  Fiscal  Department,  vols.  1  and  2;  by  R.  Mayo,  JM.  D. 
Specimens  of  Continental  Money,  177G;  by  Thomas  Adams. 
Walton's  Vermont  Register  and  Farmers'  Almanac,  1848;  by  Hon.  Mr.  Henry. 
Maps  and  Charts  of  the  Coast  Survey;  by  Survey  Office. 
INIaury's  Wind  and  Current  Charts  of  the  North  Atlantic;  by  M.  F.  Maury. 
Casts  from  the  seals  of  the  Sons  of  Temperance  and  Independent  Order   of  Red 

Men;  by  J.  W.  EcklofE 
A  cent  of  1783  of  the  United  States  of  America;  by  W.  G.  Paine. 
Claypole's  American  Daily  Advertiser,  December  25,   1790,  and  the  Pliilatleiphia 

Gazette,  December  27,  1799;  containing  a  full  account  of  the  death  and  funeral 

ceremonies  of  General  Washington,  the  official  proceedings  of  Congress,  Execu- 
tive, &c.;  by  G.  M.  Grouard. 
Publication  No.  1,  Boston,  1833. 
Letters  of  John  Quincy  Adams  to  W.  L.  Stone,  and   introduction;  letters   of  John 

Quincy  Adams  to  Edward  Livingston,  Grand    High  Priest,  &c.;    Vindication  of 

General  Washington,  &c.,  by  Joseph  Ritner,  Governor  of  Pennsylvania,  witli  a 

letter  to  Daniel  Webster,  and  his  reply,  printed  in   1841:  American  Antimason. 

No.  1,  vol.   1,  Hartford,  Connecticut,  1839;  Maine  Free  Press;  Correspondence 


5'8 

Committee  of  York,  Pennsylvania,  to  RieliarJ  Rush,  April,  1831;  his  answer, 

May  4,  1841;  Credentials  of  a  Delegate  from  Jefferson  county,  Missouri,  and  pro- 
ceedings of  a  meeting  of  citizens  to  make  the  appointment  of  a  delegate :   by 

Henry  Gassitt,  Boston,  Massachusetts. 
Astronomical  Observations  for  1845,  made  under   M.  F.  3'Iaury,  at  the  Washington 

Observatory;  by  M.  F.  Maury. 
Journals  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  30th  Congress,  and 

Documents;  by  R.  P.  Anderson. 
Census  of  United  States,  1840;  Force's  Guide  to  Washington  and  vicinity,  1848;  by 

W.  Q.  Force. 
Memoir  of  a  Tour  to  Northern  Mexico,  184G-47;  by  R.  P.  Anderson. 
Report  on  the  Organization  of  the  Smithsonian  Institute ;  by  Professor  Henry. 
A  list  of  the  Judges  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States,  its  Officers,  with  the 

dates  of  their  respective  appointments;  by  W.  T.  Carroll,  Clerk  of  the  Supreme 

Court  of  the  United  States. 
Drake's  Poems;  Catalogue  of  the  Library  of  Congress,  printed  1839;  Catalogue  from 

1840  to  1847,  both  inclusive;  by  Joint  Committee  on  the  Library  of  Congress. 
Census  of  the  United  States  from  1790  to  1848,  inclusive. 
Proceedings  of  the  General  Society  of  the  Cincinnati,  with  the  original  institution  of 

the  order  and  fac  simile  of  the  signatures  of  the  original  members  of  the  State 

Society  of  Pennsylvania;  by  Charles  L.  Coltman. 
Constitution  and  General  Laws  of  the  Great  Council  of  the  Imi:)roved  Order  of  Red 

Men  of  the  District  of  Columbia. 
By-laws  of  Powhatan  Tribe  No.  1,  and  General  Laws  of  the  Great  Council  of  the 

same  Order. 
The  Temple  of  Liberty,  two  copies,  one  ornamented  and  lettered  with  red.     The 

letters  are  so  arranged  in   each  that   the   name  of  Washington  may  be  spelled 

more  than  one  thousand  times  in  connection :  by  John  Kilbourn. 
American  Silk  Flag;  presented  by  Joseph  K.  Boyd,  citizen  of  Washington,  District 

of  Columbia,  on  the  4th  of  July  1848. 
Design  of  tlie  Monument,  small  plate,  produced  by  a  process  called  electrotype :  by 

Charles  Fenderich,  Washington. 
A  copy  of  the  Constitution  of  the  first  organized  Temperance  Society  in  America  ; 

by  L.  H.  Sprague,  July  4,  1848. 
Sons  of  Temperance  in  the  District  of  Columbia. 
Coat  of  Arms  of  the  Washington  family ;  by  Mrs.  Jane  Charlotte  Washington.  July 

4,  1848. 
All  the  coins  of  the  United  States,  from  the  eagle  to  the  half-dime,  inclusive. 
The  "Baltimore   Sun,"   of  July  4,   1848,  containing  letters  of  Mrs.  Madison,  Mrs. 

Hamilton,  General  Cass,  and  Mr.  Fillmore;  presented  by  James  Lawrenson,  Jr., 

six  years  old,  of  Washington. 
A  large  number  of  Newspapers  from  different  parts  of  the  Union,  containing  pub- 
lications relating  to  the   National  Monument  Society;  and  a  number  of  every 

Newspaper  of  the  latest  date  printed  in   the  city  of  Washington  ;  a  list  of  all 

which  is  among  the  archives  of  the  Society. 
A  number  of  cents,  procured  by  B.  B.  French,  Esq.,  from  the  Treasurer  of  the  Mint 

of  the  U.  S.,  which  were  handed  Mr.  French  while  the  procession  -vvas  moving 

to  the  corner-stone,  and  no  opportunity  was  afforded   to   examine  them,  or  take 

any  note  of  the  date  of  their  coinage. 


59 


LIST  OF  ARTICLES 

Deposited  in  the  Corner-Stone  of  the  National  Monument,  on  the  4th 
of  July,  1848,  by  the  R,  W.  Grand  Lodge  of  the  District  of  Co- 
Imnbia. 

A  silver  plate,  containing  on  one  side,  the  names  of  the  Grand  Officers  of  the  R. 
W.  Grand  Lodge  of  the  District  of  CoUirnbia,  and  on  the  other,  the  names  of  the 
Coiimiittee  of  Arrangements  of  said  Grand  Lodge,  consisting  of  tlie  W.  Master  of 
each  subordinate  Lodge  under  its  jurisdiction. 

A  roll  of  copper  coin  of  the  U.  S.,  fifteen  or  twenty  in  number,  obtained  from  the 
Mint  at  Philadelphia,  comprising  all  the  early  extant  specimens  of  that  coin.     Also 
a  cent  of  the  coinage  of  1783,  presented  by  Bro.  W.  Hurst,  of  this  Grand  Lodge. 
A  metallic  impress  of  the  seal  of  the  said  Grand  Lodge. 
A  copy  of  the  Constitution,  and  a  copy  of  its  last  published  proceedings. 
A  parchment  scroll,  containing  extracts  from  the  ancient  records  of  Fredericks- 
burg Lodge,  No.  4,  showing  the  initiation,  passing  and  raising  of  Bro.  George  Wash- 
ington by  that  Lodge.     Liitiation,  on  the  4tli  of  November,  1752  ;  passing  on  the  3(1 
of  March,  1753;  and  raising,  on  the  4th  of  August,  1753.     Also  a  list  of  the  present 
officers  and  members  of  said  Lodge. 

A  copy  of  the  Constitution  and  By-Laws  of  Washington  Lodge,  No.  ,  of  Alex- 
andria, of  which  Bro.  George  Washington  was  the  W.  Master. 

A  copy  of  Bro.  Moore's  Freemason's  Magazine,  published  at  Boston,  (No.  S  of 
vol.  1.,)  containing  the  masonic  character  and  correspondence  of  Bro.  George  Wash- 
ington. 

A  copy  of  the  Constitution  of  the  R.  W.  Grand  Lodge  of  Te.xas. 
A  paper  containing  a  list  of  the  officers  and  members  of  Mount  Vernon  Lodge, 
No.  22,  Georgia.  Another  containing  those  of  Washington  Lodge,  No.  1 ;  another 
those  of  Temple  Lodge,  No.  11 ;  another  those  of  Lafayette  Lodge,  No.  14 ;  another 
those  of  Lafayette  R.  A.  Chapter,  all  of  Wilmington,  Delaware  ;  and  another,  a  list 
of  the  officers  of  the  Grand  R.  A.  Chapter,  of  the  State  of  Delaware. 

A  printed  copy  of  die  Masonic  Register,  for  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  for  the 
year  1848. 

A  copy  of  the  "Dry  Goods  Reporter,"  of  the  date  of  July  1st,  1848,  published  in 
New  York,  Boston,  and  Philadelphia. 

A  silver  plate  containing  the  names  of  the  officers  of  Washington  Encampment, 
No.  1,  of  the  District  of  Columbia. 

A  paper  containing  the  By-Laws,  and  a  list  of  officers  of  Wheeling  Encampment. 
No.  1,  Virginia,  together  with  resolutions  and  proceedings  of  said  Encampment,  of 
the  15th  June,  1848. 

The  foregoing  articles  were  severally  presented  by  the  R.  W.  Grand  Sei-retary,  C. 
S.  Frailey,  to  the  R.  W.  Grand  Master,  who,  after  announcing  the  same,  handed 
them  to  the  R.  W.  Grand  Treasurer,  Robert  Clarke,  by  whom  they  were  placed  in 
a  leaden  box,  prepared  therefor,  and  said  box  and  contents  then  deposited  within  the 
cavity  of  the  corner-stone.  Attest, 

CHS.  S.  FRAILEY. 

Grand  Stcrclanj 


NO.  III. 

INSCRIPTION  ON  PLATE. 

4th  JULY,  1776. 

DECLARATION  OF  INDEPENDENCE  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES  OF 

AMERICA. 

4th  JULY,  1848. 

THIS    CORNER-STONE   LAID    OF   A   MONUMENT,    BY  THE    PEOPLE    OF 
THE  UNITED  STATES,  TO  THE  MEMORY  OF  GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

JAMES  K.  POLK,  President  of  the  United  States,  and  Ex  Officio  President 
of  the  Society. 

WILLIAM  BRENT,  First  lire-President. 

WILLIAM  W.  SEATON,  Mayor  of  Washington,  and  Ex  officio  Second  Vice- 
President. 

GENERAL  A.  HENDERSON,  IViird  Vice-President. 

J.  B.  H.  SMITH,  Treasurer. 

GEORGE  WATTERSTON,  Secretary. 

BOAF.D  OF  MANAGERS. 

MAJOR  GEN.  WINFIELD  SCOTT,  PETER  FORCE, 

GEN.  N.  TOWSON,  WM.  A.  BRADLEY, 

COL.  J.  J.  ABERT,  P.  R.  FENDALL, 

COL.  J.  KEARNEY,  THOMAS  MUNROE, 

GEN.  WALTER  JONES,  WALTER  LENOX, 

THO.MAS  CARBERY,  M.  F.  MAL'RY, 

THOMAS  BLAGDEN. 
ELISHA  WHITTLESEY,  Ge.xehal  Agevt. 

BUILDING  COMlvaTTEE. 

THOMAS  CARBERY,  GEORGE  WATTERSTON, 

WILLIAM  A.  BRADLEY,  COL.  J.  J.  ABERT. 

COMMITTEE  OF  AHHANGEMENTo. 

GEN.  A.  HENDERSON.  WALTER  LENOX, 

LIEUT.  M.  F.  JIAURY. 

JOSEPH  H.  BRADLEY,  Chief  Marshal. 
ROBERT  MILLS,  Architect. 


NO.  IV. 

Correspondence  concerning  the  Texas  Banner, 

Galveston,  June  9th,  1848. 
Gen.  Sam  Houston. 

Sir — In  accordance  with  a  recommendation  of  the  Washington  Monument  Com- 
mittee, contained  in  these  words,  "As  the  monument  is  National,  a  delegation  is 
invited  to  be  present  from  each  state  and  territory  with  a  Banner  inscribed  with  the 
p;reat  seal  of  the  State,  and  some  other  appropriate  device,  to  be  deposited  hereafte'^ 
in  the  monument,  with  a  suitable  inscription  to  perpetuate  to  the  latest  posterity,  a 
knowledge  of  their  use,  and  origin,  and  the  names  and  services  of  the  delegations 
that  bore  them — if  wrought  and  furnished  by  females,  their  names  to  be  recorded 
and  perpetuated,  with  statements  of  the  times  and  places  of  presentation,  to  the 
respective  delegations  :"'  We  the  undersigned  committee,  on  behalf  of  the  ladies  of 
Galveston,  have  the  honor  herewith  to  transmit  to  you  the  National  Banner  of  Texas, 
in  the  full  hope  that  you,  with  the  rest  of  our  Representation  at  the  Capitol,  will  act 
as  the  Texan  delegation  on  the  approaching  anniversary. 

The  occasiou,  sir,  is  one  of  high  and  solemn  import.  Nations  have  heretofore 
irought  to  confer  immortality  on  the  names  and  heroic  achievements  of  their  most 
distinguished  sons,  by  erecting  stately  monuments  to  their  memory.  It  has  been 
reserved  for  Washington  alone  to  perpetuate  to  the  remotest  posterity  all  that  is 
associated  with  his  name.  America  can  do  nothing  to  brighten  his  renown.  It  is 
coeval  with  time.  It  can  never  perish.  In  building  his  mausoleum  she  only  hopes 
to  consecrate  the  memory  of  her  own  virtues;  the  strength  of  her  patriotism,  the 
eternity  of  her  gratitude. 

To  you,  sir,  the  trust  is  now  confided,  to  present  our  Banner.  At  no  other  hand 
could  it  be  so  appropriately  received.  It  is  fit,  that  the  same  hand  which  raiseil  it 
to  the  staff,  after  having  unfurled  it  to  the  breeze,  which  crowned  it  with  indc- 
liendence  after  having  covered  it  with  glory,  should  be  the  hand  which,  in  full  view 
of  America  and  the  world,  shall  lay  it  as  an  offering  on  the  tomb  of  Washington. 

It  is  no  unworthy  tribute.  It  has  lit  a  nation's  path  to  glory;  it  has  conducted  her 
to  Liberty  and  to  Independence. 

A  participator  in  the  august  ceremony  which  gathered  around  the  grave  of  Wash- 
ington the  only  children  with  which  heaven  has  blessed  him,  Texas,  a  legitimate 
and  loyal  child,  after  having  claimed  and  received  her  portion  of  the  heritage,  now 
mingles  with  her  sisters'  gifts  the  only  one  which  can  properly  decorate  his  tomb, 
the  banner  which  was  dyed  in  the  blood  of  Fannin,  of  Travis,  of  Crockett  antl  of 
Milam,  which  floated  jn  triumph  over  the  ramparts  of  San  Antonio,  and  the  field  of 
San  Jacinto. 

It  was  ordained  of  old,  that  a  star  should  lead  the  world  to  the  spot  where  the 
hope  of  its  future  salvation  was  to  be  found.  Should  other  lights  grow  dim,  and 
other  hopes  be  darkened,  should  the  night  of  despair  settle  over  the  prospects  of  our 
country,  that  star,  which   shines  upon  our  flag,  which  arose  amid  despotism  and 


62 


desolation,  and  illumined  our  pathway  to  freedom,  will  yet  conduct  us,  with  heaven's 
unerring  light  to  the  tomb  of  Washington,  and  liberty,  and  the  Republic  be  re- 
deemed. 

The  Washington  Monument  Committee   desires  "  the  names  and  services  of  the 
Delegation  which  shall  bear  our  flag." 

Let  it  be  recorded  that  Houston  bore  it,  and  history  will  proclaim  his  services. 
We  are,  sir,  with  the  highest  respect,  your  most  obedient  servants, 

W.  H.  RHODES,  ■) 

T.  M.  JOSEPH,  }  Committee. 

W.  P.  BALLINGER,  ) 


Washington  City,  July  3d,  1848. 
The  Washington  Monument  Committee. 

Gentlemen — The  interesting  ceremony  which  will  take  place  on  the  4th  instant, 
the  National  Anniversary  of  our  Independence,  will  awaken  in  every  American 
bosom  the  liveliest  emotions  of  patriotism,  as  well  as  veneration  for  the  Father  of 
his  country.  He  was  emphatically  the  pioneer  of  Liberty  in  the  western  hemi- 
sphere. 

In  looking  to  the  interesting  period  referred  to,  Texas  has  not  been  unmindful  of 
her  duty,  but  has  tendered  the  tribute  of  her  veneration  and  respect,  as  well  as  her 
love  of  country  to  the  shrine  which  commands  her  filial  devotion. 

A  portion  of  the  fair  and  accomplished  daughters  of  Texas  have  prepared  a  Flag 
as  their  oflering,  and  token  of  acquiescence  in  the  policy  as  well  as  the  measure  of 
annexation  of  Texas  to  the  Union. 

It  is  the  Flag  that  guided  her  amidst  the  gloom  by  which  she  was  surrounded,  the 
star  that  lit  her  pathway  in  her  achievements.  Hence  it  has  become  her  cherished 
emblem. 

This  tribute  has  reached  the  Delegation  from  the  State  of  the  "  single  star,"  through 
the  medium  of  a  committee  of  highly  respectable  and  intelligent  young  gentlemen 
of  the  City  of  Galveston. 

I  can  only  express  my  sincere  regret,  that,  prior  to  any  knowledge  of  the  trust 
being  confided  to  us,  I  had  consented  to  unite  in  the  celebration  of  the  4th  of  July 
in  Pennsylvania,  and,  therefore,  cannot  witness  the  delightful  ceremony  which  a 
portion  of  our  Delegation  will  enjoy. 

I  am,  gentlemen,  your  fellow-citizen, 

SAM  HOUSTON. 


Gentlemen  of  the  Washington  Monument  Society: 

The  flag  that  I  bear  is  the  one  that  a  portion  of  the  fair  and  accomplished  daugh- 
ters of  the  State  of  Texas  have  sent  on  to  Gen.  Sam.  Houston,  to  present  to  you,  as 
their  tribute,  on  this  occasion,  to  the  memory  of  Washington,  the  corner-stone  of 
whose  monument  you  are  now  about  to  lay. 

In  the  absence  of  the  distinguished  gentleman  to  whom  it  was  sent,  and  who, 
but  for  prior  engagements  elsewhere,  would  have  done  so  himself,  I  have  the  plea- 
sure of  presenting  it  to  you. 


63 

I  feel  highly  honored,  although  it  is  in  a  secondary  capacity,  in  being  the  bearer 
of  it;  as  the  State  from  -which  it  came  is  the  one  of  my  adoption,  and  the  County  in 
Virginia,  in  which  he,  to  whose  memory  it  is  given,  lived  so  long  and  so  beloved,  is 
that  of  my  birth  place. 

In  the  names  of  the  fair  ones  who  wrought,  and  the  one  who  commissioned  me 
to  bear  it,  I  deliver  it  to  you,  as  a  small  token  of  their,  as  well  as  his  and  my  devo- 
tion to,  and  admiration  of,  the  great  and  good  man  to  whose  name  you  are  about 
to  rear  your  fabric. 

Respectfully, 

July  Ath,  1S48.  JOS.  F.  LEWIS. 


NO.  V. 

Presentation  of  the  Baltimore  Banner,  July  4th,  1848. 

^^t  the  Presentation  of  the  Banner  by  the  Baltimore  Young  Men's  Delegation,  Mr.  Wm. 

Alexander,  the  President,  spoke  as  follows: 
^Ir.  Chairman  and  Gentlemen  of  Committee: 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  the  medium  through  which  the  "Baltimore  Young  Men's 
Delegation"  present  to  you  this  banner,  to  be  deposited  among  the  archives  of  that 
sacred  edifice,  of  which  this  day's  ceremonies  are  for  the  purpose  of  laying  the  corner- 
stone :  and  to  be  there  retained  as  a  memorial  that  the  young  men  of  the  City  of 
Baltimore  were  represented  on  this  interesting  occasion:  time  does  not  permit  me 
more  than  to  say,  that  the  young  men  of  the  "  Monumental  City,"  cherishing  in 
common  with  the  rest  of  their  countrymen  for  their  country's  political  father,  a 
feeling  of  love  and  veneration  which  no  language  can  express;  a  portion  of  them 
are  here  present,  on  this  day — so  appropriate  for  the  purpose — to  join  in  the  pro- 
cession, and  take  part  in  the  ceremonies  initiatory  to  the  erection  of  a  monument  at 
the  nation's  capitol,  testamentary  of  a  nation's  gratitude  to  the  great  and  good 
Washington,  and  desire  that  this  banner  may  be  kept,  so  long  as  it  shall  endure, 
within  the  sacred  walls  of  the  temple  to  be  erected  to  the  memory  of  Liberty's  Sire, 
as  a  slight  memento  that  we  cherish,  in  our  hearts,  a  grateful  recollection  of  him 
who  was  "  first  in  war,  first  in  peace,  and  first  in  the  hearts  of  his  countiymen." 


Gen.  Walter  Jones,  on  behalf  of  the  Maiiagers,  responded  as  follows  : 
Young  Men  of  Baltimore: 

We,  Managers  of  the  Washington  Monument  Society,  accept,  with  sincere  plea- 
sure, your  ofi'ering  of  this  beautiful  flag,  to  be  deposited  among  the  memorials  of 
this  ever-memorable  day,  which  is  now  to  witness  the  laying  of  the  corner-stone  of 
the  Washington  Monument. 

The  glorious  title  of  the  "City  of  Monuments''  has  been  well  earned  for  your  city 
by  the  patriotism  of  her  citizens,  and  by  their  brave  devotion  to  her  defence,  when- 
ever the  stormy  clouds  of  danger  have  gathered  thickest  and  darkest  about  her. 
Nothing  less  was  to  be  expected  from  the  gallant  and  generous  youth  of  such  a  city, 
than  the  noble  and  patriotic  enthusiasm  that  impels  you,  with  united  hearts  and 
hands,  to  assist — now,  to  lay  the  foundations — hereafter,  to  raise  to  its  sunny  pin- 
nacle, the  truly  national  monument,  which  is  to  be  associated  in  the  minds  of  count- 
less generations,  with  the  exalted  memories  of  this  ever-glorious  day. 

Your  desired  recompense — not  exorbitant — priceless  though  it  be — is  willingly 
conceded.  Your  participation  in  this  great  work  shall  be  identified  with  a  record 
that  cannot  perish  till  the  very  ruins  of  the  monument  itself  shall  have  perished. 


NO.  VI. 

Presentation  of  the  Florida  Banner,  July  6th,  1848. 

Mr.  Gregory  Yale,  on  presenting  the  Florida  Banner,  made  thefollmcing  address: 
Mr.  President  and  Gentlemen  of  the  National  Monument  Societt: 

The  Delegation  representing  the  State  of  Florida,  at  the  laying  of  the  corner-stone 
of  the  National  Monument  to  George  Washington,  desire  to  present  to  your  Society 
the  Banner  which  was  borne  by  them  on  that  occasion. 

In  making  the  presentation  to  the  Society,  through  you,  as  they  now  do,  it  is  their 
fervent  hope  that  the  Banner  may  be  accepted  by  the  Society  as  a  reverential  tribute 
to  the  memory  of  Washington,  by  the  Delegation,  individually,  and  by  the  People  of 
the  State  they  have  the  honor  to  represent,  at  the  commencement  of  this  great  work 
which  is  to  perpetuate  the  gratitude  of  a  free  nation  to  its  illustrious  founder :  and 
that  it  may  be  deposited  among  the  muniments  of  the  Society,  as  a  pleasing  remi- 
niscence of  the  participation  which  our  State  had  in  the  interesting  proceedings  of 
the  day. 

On  one  side  of  this  Banner,  you  see  exhibited  the  portrait  and  name  of  him  who, 
on  Easter  Sunday,  1512,  landed  upon  the  verdant  shores  of  Florida,  planted  the 
standard  of  Castile  and  Leon,  and  under  the  grateful  shades  of  the  live  oak  and  the 
magnolia,  and  amid  the  fragrance  of  the  orange,  the  jessamine  and  the  rose,  returned 
thanks  to  his  maker  for  the  fortunate  direction  of  his  voyage.  He  then  gave  to  this 
land  the  name  of  Florida,  which  from  that  day  to  this,  it  has  always  borne,  under 
every  vicissitude  in  its  extraordinary  history,  and  which,  with  the  blessings  of  God, 
it  will  continue  to  bear  as  long  as  your  monument  shall  stand. 

On  the  other  side,  you  see  inscribed  the  escutcheon  of  the  State,  with  a  reference 
to  the  day  when  it  was  invested  with  the  distinguished  honor  of  the  sovereignly  of 
one  of  the  American  Union,  with  a  motto  indicating  a  reliance  on  the  arm  of  Deity. 

You  have  in  De  Leon,  the  earliest  discoverer  of  that  portion  of  the  New  World 
now  erected  into  a  glorious  confederacy  of  thirty  States.  You  have  in  Washington, 
the  founder  of  this  confederacy.  In  our  motto,  you  see  declared  that  spirit  which 
guided  Washington  from  his  youth  to  his  death,  and  with  which  he  inspired  Ids  com- 
patriots of  the  Revolution. 

Thuis,  Florida,  first  in  the  order  of  discovery  among  her  sister  states,  and  on  the 
anniversary  of  a  day  memorable  in  the  annals  of  the  Christian  era,  while  among  the 
last  in  the  order  of  family  precedent,  will  ever  be  foremost  in  preserving  the  fame  of 
Washington,  as  fresh  and  enduring  as  the  evergreens  of  her  own  beautiful  chine, 
she,  trusting  in  God,  will  be  among  the  last  in  deserting  the  Banner  of  the  Union. 


Mr.' Fend  ALL,  on  behalf  of  the  Managers,  responded  as  follows  : 
Gentlemen  of  the  Florida  Delegation: — 

On  behalf  of  the  National  Monument  Society,  and  by  direction  of  its  Managers,  I 
thank   you  for  the  banner  which    you  have  presented  to  it.     The  Society  receivec 
5 


66 

with  sensibility  tliis  proud  and  beautiful  eniblem  of  the  '■  land  of  flowers," — an  em- 
blem, to  which  the  events  you  have  noticed  so  impressively  give  at  once  the  value 
of  historic  truth  and  the  interest  of  romance.  Florida,  though  containing  the  oldest 
town  in  the  Union,  is  one  of  the  youngest  of  the  States.  Scarcely  three  years  have 
passed  since  she  became  a  member  of  our  great  national  confedeiacy;  but  within 
that  brief  period  she  has  redeemed  the  pledge  given  by  her  territorial  history,  that 
her  accession  to  the  Union  would  add  new  elements  to  its  strength — fresh  lustre  to 
its  fame.  Her  action  through  you,  Gentlemen,  as  her  representatives,  in  the  celebra- 
tion on  Tuesday,  and  in  the  proceeding  of  this  morning,  declares  that  for  the  charge 
of  ingratitude,  so  often  brought  against  Rej^ublics,  the  State  of  Florida  is  not,  will  not 
be,  justly  responsible. 

Monuments  to  public  benefactors  are  consecrated  by  the  best  feelings  of  the  hu- 
man heart,  and  by  the  conforming  custom  of  the  wisest  nations.  So  long  as  patriot- 
ism was  the  ruling  passion  of  the  Roman  citizen,  the  Republic  delighted  to  com- 
memorate the  achievements  of  her  great  men  by  monuments,  statues,  paintings, 
medals,  inscriptions  and  other  sensible  forms  of  national  approval.  With  the  origin 
of  this  practice  adulation  had  no  concern.  In  their  golden  era,  so  degrading  a  sen- 
timent was  a  stranger  to  the  masters  of  the  world.  But  that  sagacious  people  saw 
that  enduring  memorials  of  public  gratitude  for  public  services,  quickened  the  spirit 
of  patriotism  from  which  those  services  had  sprung,  and  inspired  the  whole  com- 
munity with  a  generous  rivalry  of  the  individual  actors.  Rome  continued  free  while 
she  cherished  the  examples  of  her  benefactors ;  her  freedom  soon  perished,  when 
she  had  become  careless  of  their  deeds,  and  cold  to  their  glory. 

The  decree  of  history  has  long  since  gone  forth,  sinking  the  loftiest  name  to  which 
even  Rome  ever  reared  a  monument,  to  an  immeasurable  distance  below  the  name 
of  Washington.  Since  his  death,  nearly  three  generations  have  lived  and  died. 
The  warrior,  whose  sword  struck  down  the  mightiest  of  nations  in  the  height  of 
her  pride;  and  who,  even  amid  the  clangor  of  arms,  was  the  master  statesman  : — 
the  founder  of  an  empire  already  the  marvel  of  the  world : — the  patriot,  who  ac- 
cepted power  only  at  the  call  of  duty,  who  wielded  it  only  for  his  country's  good, 
and  to  whom  no  moment  of  its  possession  was  so  pleasing  as  its  end : — the  man, 
whose  name  is  the  watchword  of  the  friends  of  liberty  in  every  land,  and  whose 
character,  the  consenting  voice  of  mankind  proclaims  to  be  the  only  consummate 
model  of  human  excellence  which  the  Almighty  has  ever  vouchsafed  to  hiscreatuies: 
— This  man,  the  man  of  men,  George  Washington,  died  nearly  half  a  century  ago. 
And  yet  it  was  only  on  the  day  before  yesterday — the  4th  of  July, — a  day  the  brightest 
in  the  political  calendar,  and  which  but  for  him,  might  never  have  been  seen  there, 
that  the  first  stone  was  laid  of  a  monument  to  his  memory!  Whence,  asks  the 
wondering  foreigner,  whence  this  delay  ?  Is  there  any  good  reason  for  it  ?  And 
he  is  sometimes  told  that  the  aid  of  marble  is  not  needed  to  eternize  the  fame  of 
Washington;  that  Washington  lived  to  "read  his  history  in  a  nation's  eyes,"  that 
his  monument  has  already  been  built  by  his  own  matchless  deeds,  in  war  and  in 
peace,  and  by  the  influence,  always  and  everywhere  at  work,  of  his  great  example. 
This,  and  much  more  in  the  same  strain,  is  all  true — undoubtedly  true.  And  yet, 
gentlemen  of  Florida,  you  feel  that  it  is  all  no  answer  to  the  question.  Your  under- 
standings and  your  hearts  alike  repel  the  logic  that  extorts  from  the  very  magnitude 
of  the  services  to  which  America  owes  her  freedom  and  her  greatness,  an  argmnent 


67 

against  acknowledging  the  debt:  you  tlnnk,— you  have  said, — and  tlie  world  thinks 
and  says  with  you,  that  the  only  suitable  acknowledgment  is  that  prescribed  by  uni- 
versal custom,  founded  on  universal  feeling. 

It  may  not,  must  not,  be  supposed  that  at  any  moment  the  American  people  have 
been  insensible  to  the  sacred  duty  of  erecting  at  some  time  a  monument  to  the 
memory  of  WASHINGTON.  But,  they  have  felt  that  such  a  memorial,  to  be  appro- 
priate, must  transcend  all  former  standards.  Associating  with  it  ideas  of  grandeur  at 
once  peculiar  and  indefinite,  when  opportunities  of  acting  them  out  were  suggested, 
they  have  shrunk  from  their  own  conception,  in  despair  or  distrust  of  the  possibiUty 
of  its  being  realized.  This,  and  concurring  occasional  causes,  have  produced  appa- 
rent apathy  on  a  subject  intrinsically  so  animating.  All  believed  that  this  apathy 
was  one  day  to  terminate ;  and  each  seemed  expecting  his  neighbor  to  rouse  the 
public  mind.  This  office  was  at  length  assumed  by  an  eminent  citizen  of  this  place. 
He  has  since  devoted  to  it  years  of  toil  and  energy,  and  under  his  auspices  the  pre- 
sent organization  was  effected.  The  Managers  have  adopted  for  the  proposed 
monument  a  plan,  which,  with  such  modifications  as  further  reflection  may  com- 
mend, will,  it  is  hoped,  be  satisfactory  to  the  country.  They  have,  you  are  aware, 
the  prominent  co-operation  of  a  gentleman  distinguished  in  the  public  councils,  and 
whose  connection  with  the  enterprise  guaranties  efficiency  in  its  conduct.  An  im- 
])ortant  advance  in  it  has  just  been  made.  The  rate  of  its  future  progress  must,  of 
coarse,  be  regulated  by  the  contributions  which  may  be  made  to  it.  Let  but  the 
spirit  of  the  young  State  of  Florida  pervade  the  Union,  and  within  a  few  years  the 
long  standing  national  reproach  which  every  day's  delay  makes  darker,  will  be 
removed.  The  people  of  the  United  States  will  then  have  raised  in  honor  of  Wash- 
ington, at  the  city  selected  by  himself  to  be  the  capital  of  the  Republic,  and  bearing 
his  name,  a  monument,  fit  for  such  a  people  to  erect  to  the  memory  of  such  a  man — 
a  monument  standing  among  marble  memorials  as  he  stood  among  men,  as  he 
stands  in  history,  unequalled,  unapproached  ! 

Permit  me  now.  Gentlemen,  to  offer  you  for  the  State  of  Florida,  a  piece,  prepared 
for  her  acceptance,  of  the  corner-stone  of  the  monument, and  to  wish  you  a  safe  and 
happy  return  from  your  patriotic  mission  to  your  homes. 


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